Our bodies are the things that separate human beings from all the other animals on planet Earth. We’re capable of building and making a lot of cool things, but we’re also more vulnerable than any other organism. A human body can be easily killed by a virus and no scientist or medical professional will ever be able to “fix” this. However, what they can do is help prevent you from getting sick. Boost your immune system with a healthy diet and get better at fighting off viruses and bacteria.
Two years into a global pandemic, every one of us has felt the impact of COVID in some aspect of our lives. The ways we work, socialize, and take care of ourselves have drastically changed. One thing has become obvious—our health is everything! Something we can all do is fortify our immune systems through healthy eating. Meal prep in Loveland, CO, makes it easy to pack your diet with immune-supporting nutrients.
How Does Nutrition Support Immunity?
While vitamins and supplements certainly aren’t a magic cure for viruses and illness, maintaining a balanced diet helps your immune system run at full capacity. Crucial micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, and E help your body in a number of ways.
Iron-rich foods promote the growth of immune cells and carry oxygen to those cells. Getting enough iron is also important to ward off iron-deficiency anemia, which can make you feel weak and tired. Iron-rich foods include:
- Red meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Beans
- Spinach
According to new research, the iron content found in the food you eat can boost your immune system. You can get lots of Iron through red meat or anything containing blood. But not all kinds of Iron are good for you. If you’re only looking for Iron content, you can add this supplement to your diet. However, many doctors advise against this, because it can sometimes have negative
effects on your health. The best way to get more Iron is to boost your intake of things like beans and spinach. When you’re training for a marathon, it’s not unusual to take an iron supplement. That’s because people running for a long time need extra Iron to keep their bodies functioning well.
Foods high in zinc help to boost the immune system in many ways. First, zinc helps to create a barrier to invading germs and other obnoxious organisms. Zinc helps the immune system to function better and more effectively, while also increasing the efficiency of all of the body’s cells. Zinc is necessary to the proper function of more than 300 enzymes in the body, more than half of which are found in the immune and reproductive systems. Zinc can be found in foods such as oysters, red meat, and pumpkin seeds.
Additionally, It have been shown to aid in the growth of immune cells. A few foods you can add to your diet are:
- Shellfish
- Nuts
- Chickpeas
Vitamin D is a factor in increasing the number of white blood cells that fight off infection and disease. It is also responsible for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus into the bones. Throughout the year, the amount of Vitamin D you have in your body can affect your mood. Some people feel lethargic in the winter because their Vitamin D levels are low because of the limited sunlight exposure. If you do not get much exposure to sunlight, you may want to consider a Vitamin D supplement.
Furthermore, it provides structure for immune cells. Make sure to eat plenty of:
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Salmon and Tuna
- Mushrooms
Vitamins A, C, and E Are vitamins that work as antioxidants and regulate immune cell responses. Vitamin A regulates the white blood cells in the body, fighting off infections and diseases. Vitamin C also regulates the immune system by fighting off infections and diseases. Vitamin E is responsible for making sure the body stays healthy in a different way, it makes sure that the cells stay healthy. These three vitamins have been tested and proven by many different doctors and medical professionals to be essential for the human body. The next time you feel a cold or flu coming on, make sure you take some vitamin C or E. They are the best thing to keep you healthy and safe!
Additionally, some superfoods contain all three of these essential nutrients:
- Red Bell Pepper
- Artichokes
- Spinach
- Mango
Putting together meals with the right amounts of these ingredients can be a daunting task. Meal prep services in Loveland, CO, offer a helping hand to those that may not have enough time to spend cooking such meals for themselves. Super-Natural Eats prepares ready-to-go meals brimming with nutrients and flavor. You’ll get to try new flavors and feel confident your diet is supporting your immune health.