BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM!

Don't give in to being sick just because it's cold out & your friends, family & co-workers are all getting sick. Your immune system is designed to fight germs and keep you healthy throughout the winter.

But, it's your job to keep your immune system strong with exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and good nutrition. In the AAY! newsletter this week, we listed the first two ingredients to incorporate into your diet: cruciferous vegetables & orange vegetables. Here's the rest of the list:

3. MUSHROOMS
Mushrooms boost the production of white blood cells; this benefits the cells by increasing cellular metabolism, removing toxins, and preventing damage from free radicals.

4. WHOLE GRAINS
Whole wheat, oats, quinoa, amaranth, and brown rice improve your immunity, reduce inflammation, and protect you from the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. ALWAYS opt for whole grains over refined or enriched grains.

5. WINTER FRUIT
Most fruit is packed with nutrients & fiber. Incorporate some citrus fruit daily for vitamin C, but aim for a wide variety of fruit to increase your vitamin & mineral intake. Winter fruits include: oranges, pomegranates, persimmons, pears, bananas, cranberries, grapefruit, rhubarb, kiwi and kumquats.

6. HERBS & SPICES
Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives are rich sources of Vitamin C, potassium, chromium and selenium. Additionally, they contain volatile oils that are antimicrobial and help stimulate immunity. Other potent herbs and spices that support your immune system include ginger, cilantro, rosemary, sage, turmeric, and oregano.

Your diet is the key to your health: A poor diet of sugary, rich, hard-to-digest foods will detract from your immunity while a healthy diet full of fresh, antioxidant-rich foods will enhance your health and immune system.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN. Please click "comment" to share your tips about staying healthy through the winter, or to post a recipe that incorporates immune-boosting foods.