EAT YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER IMMUNE SYSTEM 5 Foods that Protect Your Body With Every Bite The COVID-19 pandemic has made all of us keenly aware of our bodies, our health, and the strength of our immune systems. When your immune system is working properly, it acts like the moat and battlements of a castle, protecting you from invading germs and viruses. However, like a castle’s defenses, it can have its weaknesses. Luckily, if you’re generally healthy, there are ways to strengthen your defenses. Exercising, getting plenty of sleep, and drinking water are all ways to boost your immune system, but your diet can help, too! Harvard Medical School recommends eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables. Specifically, here are five foods we recommend adding to your dishes for their immunity-boosting properties. • ALMONDS are one of the best snacks you can eat for an immune system bump, according to Anna Kippen, a Cleveland Clinic dietician. They’re full of vitamin E, an antioxidant key to immune health, and they’re also packed with protein and healthy fats. • BELL PEPPERS are another food high on Kippen’s list, according to the U.S. News & World Report. They’re a great source of vitamin C, which helps our bodies fight off disease, and beta carotene, which benefits our skin and eyes. • LEMON is another powerhouse food. It’s an anti-inflammatory and can help with digestion, nausea, and immune function. Some studies have even shown citrus juices like lemon juice can help prevent cancer and other diseases.
• GINGER has a lot of the same health benefits as lemon, but it also alkalizes the body, burns fat, and helps with kidney health. Try adding some to your next stir fry, batch of cookies, or cup of tea. • GARLIC is an all-around fantastic food. It’s antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, an immune booster, a cancer fighter, and even aids in wound healing. That last bit sounds crazy, but it’s supported by both science and history! Topical garlic has been used to disinfect and heal wounds for centuries. Of course, a vegetable stir fry alone won’t protect you from COVID-19, but it may help heighten your body’s natural defenses — especially when combined with other immunity-boosting practices like exercise. When you’re ready to tackle using movement to improve your health, give our office a call.
MINTY CARROT TOP PESTO Pesto may sound like a fancy ingredient on restaurant menus, but you can make it at home in minutes! This vegan recipe is a great way to use spare carrots tops, and it tastes delicious as a pasta sauce (thinned with water) or a cracker spread.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 large bunch carrot tops
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh mint
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 chives, chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. To blanch the carrot tops, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare a large bowl of ice water. Remove the stems from the carrot tops and add the greens to the water. Boil for 3 minutes, then drain the water and dunk the tops in ice water. When they’re cool, wring out the extra liquid. 2. Use a food processor to blend the carrot tops and all other ingredients except olive oil. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil at a time to the food processor and blend until the pesto is smooth. Taste and serve!
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