The Wee Lassie’s Top Ten Foods that keep your Immune System Healthy

If you’ve been following my blog for a while – hi original wee readers, you know who you are – you should know that I am a Vegan. In fact my whole family are vegans. I was raised vegan from the age of two. But what you may not have guessed is that we are mega-vegans – don’t google that I made it up on the spot. Some of us don’t eat gluten, we all drink major green smoothies and of course all our food is organic. We even grow our own greens that we blend up and eat in our green smoothies. Yes, we’re those kind of people – and that is awesome, particularly right now during a pandemic when health is on absolutely everyone’s minds. Wow there’s no way that didn’t come off as bragging…anyway, here are the top ten foods that keep your immune system healthy.

10. Carrots

For a while these were very hard to get at Tesco, which I view as a positive thing for our society, seeing how healthy carrots actually are for you. A single carrot has 12,028 units of Vitamin A -; Vitamin C; B Vitamins; Vitamin E and the minerals of iron, Zinc and Copper – all of which help keep the immune system up and running for cold and flue season, or the odd pandemic.

9. Broccoli

Come on, part of you must have known Broccoli would be on this list eventually – it’s no one’s favorite vegetable, but we all know its good for us. This green veg is high in lutein, a compound antioxidant, and sulforaphane. Along with nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, Zinc and iron.All of which, as you may have guessed help keep us healthy.

8. Onions

My god do I love onions, which is a good thing because not only are my family’s store cupboards just filled with the things, but they are mega good for the immune system. Onions are filled with selenium, sulfur compounds, Zinc, and vitamin C. Also, they are an excellent source of quercetin. They are also an antioxidant which have antiviral properties, and they also have histamine regulating effects.

7. Garlic

Garlic is a magic food. Not only can it keep away the bite of Dracula, but it’s a natural antibiotic. I’ve been eating it raw before every meal, and my cough’s almost gone. Of course, eating raw garlic isn’t for everyone – it’s barely for me – but never fear, there’s no ends of the dishes Garlic can be put into. Soups, sauces, pies – you name it, it’ll be made much better with a dash of Garlic.

6. Red Cabbage

Cabbage is great; it boosts the immune system, fights inflammation and arthritis; makes healthy bones and reduces risk of Osteoporosis. It also helps fight chronic diseases and encourages a healthy gut. And it tastes delicious with vinegar.

5. Pears

As juicy when ripe as they are hard when not, pears are rich in flavonoid antioxidants which help fight inflammation and may decrease your risk of diseases.

4. Nuts

Ages past Brazil nuts we’re considered one of the nine sacred nuts. They brought wisdom to those that ate them. Today they can help your body prepare for any battles ahead. Nuts are a great source of zinc, along with selenium which is particularly found in Brazil nuts, but all nuts will boost your immune system.

2. Nettles

Nettles, absolutely one of the ingredients to professor Snape’s most potent potions. These stinging weeds are high in Vitamins A,C,K and B; Minerals like Calcium and iron; Healthy Fats; Polyphenols, Amino acids and Pigments like Beta-carotene, or luteoxanthin. They have been known to reduce inflammation; help hay fever and enlarged prostate symptoms, along with high blood pressure and blood sugar control.

However, one of the best things about Nettles is how available they are; they literally grow everywhere, so much so that we’ve labeled them as weeds all across the western world. Odds are likely they’re even growing somewhere close to you right now. Word to the wise though, if you’re picking them yourself wear gloves and avoid nettles with flowers, if they’ve got flowers they’re no good and should be left alone. As for the shops, while I have never encountered fresh nettles – nettle tea is delicious, and just as immune system boosting as the fresh stuff. Plus, and I don’t know if this is an official result of such tea, but I always find it calms me right down after I’ve had a bout of anxiety.

1. Avocados

Avocados are a super food, flat out just a super food, with a capital S. If you’ve been following my blog you may have heard me speak about these amazing things before – they certainly fit well in any kind of smoothie. In fact it’s amazing how versatile they are – avocados blended with coco make a lovely chocolate mousse. However I personally love them in Guacamole, since it’s so easy to make and combines other immune system boosting food, like Garlic – but there are hundreds of other different uses for them, whether you’re spreading them mashed on toast, or just chopping them into your salad. What makes this versatility so exciting – besides the taste that is – is just how rich in nutrients the Avocado is.

They contain Vitamins K, C, B5, B6, A, B1, B2, and B3; along with nutrients like Folate, Potassium, magnesium, maganeses, copper, iron, zinc, and phosphorous. Each Avocado also contains 160 calories, 2 grams of protein, 15 grams of healthy fats, 9 grams of Carbs and 7 of fiber. Making them, the ultimate immune boosting food.

If you’ve enjoyed this interesting look into the nutrients of some of the world’s best food, don’t forget to follow the wee blog, if you haven’t already. Also don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Tumblr, Facebook, and Pinterest. And check out the Wee Mailing List – for all new content from the Wee Archives. Until next time Wee Readers, stay safe, stay healthy, and have a bonny day.

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