Dear Readers-
Unfortunately it is that time of year again, the dreaded FLU SEASON!! In my doctors’ office is a sign to Get Your Flu Shot NOW. My self, I have been very fortunate and have never had or needed to get the shot. My other half, however, is one of the people in the high risk area so he must get one.
I did run across this article and found it interesting on natural flu fighters and thought I would share the information with you. I found it in a Good Housekeeping Magazine and it was written by Delia A. Hammock, M.S., R.D.
Some of this information may seem to be slanted toward women, but it certainly won’t hurt the men in our lives, either. Doing what is healthy is beneficial for both sexes.
Grandma
She says: “Wash your hands, get enough sleep and boost your immune system with these super healthy foods.”
Oranges, Grapefruit and other citrus fruits; strawberries, papayas, kiwifruit. Red peppers and broccoli.
These foods are loaded with vitamin C, which is essential for forming virus-thwarting white blood cells.
For Women, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 75 milligrams – about 1 cup of orange juice or 1 grapefruit. You don’t need a mega dose; it won’t increase your protection.
Beef, dark-meat poultry, pork, oysters and dairy products.
These foods are packed with zinc, which boosts the number of infection-fighting T cells and also kicks them into action. Even a small zinc shortage may impede your body’s defenses.
A woman’s zinc RDA is 8 milligrams. Just 3 ounces of lean beef provides at least half that. (If you take zinc supplements, keep your intake below 40 mg. daily. Too much can suppress your immunity.)
Orange and dark green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, kale, spinach and collards.
The orange color comes from a family of pigments called carotenes. With dark leafy greens, their orange color is obscured by chlorophyll. The body converts these into vitamin A, which helps maintain the mucous membranes that act as a barrier against germs.
The new USDA food pyramid recommends eating at least 2 cups a week of orange vegetables.
Sunflower seeds, vegetables oils and all nuts
The vitamin E contained in these foods improves immune function, especially that of T cells, the body’s main defense against viruses. Vitamin E also protects cell membranes from damage.
One ounce will provide half of your RDA of 15 mg. a day. If you are dieting, don’t cut out nuts; just watch your portions. One ounce of almonds – about 22 nuts – has approximately 170 calories.
Tea
Tea contains high concentrations of an amino acid called L-theanine, which may trigger T cells to produce interferon, a protein that battles viruses.
Everyday, drink 20 ounces – 5 or 6 small cups – of regular, non herbal tea. Your choices: black, green and oolong. All of these come from a plant that is rich in L-theanine.