During winter cold and flu season your immune system needs extra support.
Feeding your body certain foods may help to keep your immune system running strong. Plan your meals to include the following powerful immune system boosters. You may increase everyone’s chances of fending off those winter bugs before they get sick.
Try these 5 immune-boosting power foods:
Burdock (牛蒡)
Burdock enhances the vitality of the body cells. It increases the production of the white blood cells, which is important for the immune defense.
Furthermore Burdock has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects: it lowers the blood pressure, strengthen the kidney and has a laxative effect. Burdock also inhibits cancer cell proliferation and removes heavy metals in the water.
White Radish (白蘿蔔)
Chinese medicine theory believes that white radish goes into the lung and stomach meridian. White radish is rich in vitamins and minerals and its interferon inducer activity is very strong. Interferons are important for the body’s immune response against pathogens as viruses and bacteria. Therefore white radish helps to enhance the body’s immune function.
White Radish Leaves (白蘿蔔葉)
White radish leaves are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. Especially the vitamin C content is 4 times higher in the leaves than in the rhizome. White radish leaves prevent the aging of the skin and keep the skin white and tender. Furthermore it helps against digestion problems.
And most important during the cold season: it is good against cough!
Carrots (胡蘿蔔)
Carrots are regarded as top grade dishes. It is the “national dish” in the Netherlands. Carrots contain a high amount of Vitamins A, K and Biotin and help to enhance the body’s immune system. Furthermore carrots are good for the liver function and the eyes.
Cinnamon (肉桂)
Cinnamon is a popular spice in winter, providing a warm and spicy flavor for your meals and drinks. You can use cinnamon in your biscuits, pies, pastries, puddings, smoothies, soups (add a small amount in lentils and black bean soup). Cinnamon helps strengthen the immune system, improves brain function and is good for your heart health. It contains essential oils and therefore has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.