Super Foods for Super Immunity
Super Foods for Super Immunity
Autumn was once considered the time to “boost your immune system” in proactive preparation for the upcoming (old-fashioned) cold-and-flu season that came with the fall-into-winter time of year. With the 2020-into-the-present pandemic concerns, the immune system continues to stay in the spotlight.
There are numerous choices and a few time-tested remedies to nurture a robust immune system and live vibrantly through every season. One of the simplest remedies in my personal life experience, is the daily dietary choices. A super immune system should begin with super foods, right?
The superfood world has become a marketplace food-feud with common foods competing for top billing agains exotic foods. Just for clarity, the word superfood is a trendy marketing term to get our attention––and food dollars––but has no clear definition or science-backed label. So “Let the buyer beware.”
Let’s look at some reasonable information on superfoods that you can sink your teeth into:
• So called superfoods are considered to be more nutritionally dense than their common food companions.
• Superfoods are not restricted by formal scientific labels.
• Superfoods contain powerful health promoting ingredients (antioxidants, disease fighting compounds, immune support) and vital nutrients.
• Some superfoods may provide medicinal benefits. PLEASE do your research in this area first! Understand the “what and why” of the food you eat.
Just as there are reasonable factors to consider in choosing superfoods, there are scams to watch for:
• Some foods that are promoted as super offer hyped-up marketing and mediocre nutritional value.
• Marketers are paid to entice you to buy what they are promoting in hopes that you don’t do your homework to gain an understanding of a food’s true nutrient values.
• Some superfoods may come with false claims (for cures or treatments) attached which may backfire causing harm to the food distributor or the food consumer.
Some of the “common” superfoods you may be most familiar with include:
• Avocado
• Beets
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Garlic and Onions
• Ginger
• Leafy Greens - Kale, Swiss Chard, Collards, Red leafed lettuce, Spinach
• Oats
• Sweet Potato
• Walnuts, Pecans
• Turmeric
• Olive Oil (extra virgin)
• and many more
A few of the “exotic” superfoods you’ve tried or heard about may include:
• Amla - Indian gooseberries - provide more than double the antioxidants of acai berry.
• Boabab fruit - native to Africa - exceptionally high in Vitamin C, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
• Chia Seeds - contain a higher content of Omega 3’s than salmon, excellent amino acid profile.
• Goji berry - wolfberry - grown in the lower Himalayan region of India
• Moringa - native to India (Ayurvedic medicine) and grows in Asia, Africa and South America, used in tribal medicines for thousands of years for cellular protection.
• Maca Root - provides adaptogenic properties that aid in the body’s stress response.
Many exotic superfoods may not be available in U.S. grocers but may be found in speciality mail order outlets. Again, check the source for organically grown, non-GMO or Fair Trade produce.
Consumers have questioned the best way to get superfoods into their daily diet and many nutritionists and dietitians agree that the more recognizable foods help keep our routine and our health simpler and healthier. Choosing familiar staple items over imported exotic foods also keep the wallet happy and healthy!
When you are considering the superfoods best suited for your health needs, keep in mind:
• Gut health - foods that reduce/prevent intestinal inflammation and promote natural detoxification and reset your micro-biome.
• Powerhouse snacks - seeds and nuts provide fiber, protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals with no sugar or empty calories.
• Energy supply - foods that feed your cells and create natural energy (no caffeine)
• Brain health - mental wellness is important to overall health and well-being. Think of non- inflammatory foods for a healthy brain.
With much more research information available, consumers are requesting/demanding cleaner and clearer labels and healthier production methods to help them live a life with health-giving- food at the core of their wellness. Thankfully, numerous industry leaders are working to provide that.
As Autumn fades into Winter, I hope these suggestions will give you a foundation on which to build your super immune system.