A Strong Immune System Starts With a Healthy Diet
As you age, your immune system slows down. One way to make up for this is by eating foods that help give your body an extra boost. This is why a diet high in antioxidants, fiber, seafood, and calcium is essential.
Knowing what are the best foods for the immune system helps you make better choices when it comes to meals and shopping at the grocery store. These are some of the best foods for natural immunities.
Berries
Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are just a few of the berries your parents should be eating regularly. They’re also readily available in frozen fruit blends. Put a cup of berries in the blender along with some tart cherry juice or cranberry juice and have an antioxidant-rich morning smoothie.
Bell Peppers
Orange, red, and yellow bell peppers have a lot of vitamin C. They also contain beta carotene. Beta carotene is used by the body to help with the health of your eyes and skin.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
Cruciferous vegetables contain compounds that may lower the risk of certain cancers. Broccoli and cauliflower are two of the most popular cruciferous vegetables. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and turnip are others. Fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E are all found in most cruciferous vegetables.
Citrus Fruit
Oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are all loaded with vitamin C. You’ve probably grown up with your parents telling you to drink orange juice when you have a cold. Their parents did the same for them.
Citrus fruits do have a lot of vitamin C, which helps with white blood cell protection. They also are loaded with water, which helps flush out the kidneys.
Garlic
Garlic is rich in sulfurous compounds that are believed to help fight infections and inflammation. It’s often touted as helping slow the aging that arteries go through. Garlic is also easy to use in many dishes. Sauté it or serve it raw in a dipping sauce that contains minced fresh garlic and extra virgin olive oil.
Quinoa
Whole grains are beneficial for your body, but quinoa is one to pay close attention to. Not only is it rich in fiber, but quinoa contains vitamin E, iron, and B vitamins. Quinoa is also known for having the highest antioxidant levels of popular grains.
Home care agencies offer a variety of services that include meal preparation. If your parents need help cooking healthy meals, you don’t have to drop everything at the end of the workday and rush to their home. Let home care aides cook meals for them as needed. Grocery shopping assistance, weekly menu planning, and kitchen organization are other ways caregivers can help with daily meals and snacks.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Home Health Care in Southfork, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.
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