Fresh Lincolnshire Vegetables can support your immune system in this current challenging climate
Date Added: 16/03/2020
I teach nutrition, and am usually talking about how to live to 130 years old or heart disease prevention, but currently it’s all about how to evade the Covid-19 virus.When it comes to maintaining our health, a good immune system is very precious and one of the best ways to keep you well is by having a good diet with plenty of fresh vegetables.
Having a rainbow diet, with plenty of different colours in your food, fresh fruit and vegetables, is essential to provide you with all the essential vitamins you need. From the white of your cauliflower, the purple of your PSB to the dark green of your spring greens. Also don’t forget exercise, adequate amounts of water and sunshine for Vitamin D, will also keep your body and immune system in tip top condition.
Staying positive in these uncertain days is also very good and you need all those essential B vitamins from your vegetables, to keep you happy and content. Some vegetables and herbs also have anti -viral properties as well as helping your immune system to function well.
The Fens of Lincolnshire are the most fertile soils in Europe and our home grown vegetables are a good way to enjoy health and reduce your carbon footprint.
A diverse Microbiome (Your Gut Bacteria) responds to Probiotics, yogurts and fermented foods and Pre biotics which can be more crucial. Leeks, Brassicas, Garlic and onions are all good pre biotics and help to feed the probiotics, which can enhance a good immune system.
New Season delicious Sweetheart Cabbage and spring greens are rich in Vitamin C and good pre biotics, which keep the gut and immune system healthy.
Cabbages are full of phytochemicals and should be a part of your daily diet. Not only does this help build a healthy immune system to fight off viruses, it also helps your body recover from illness more quickly, so eat your cabbage.
Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene which supports the body’s mucus membrane, which lines the respiratory and intestinal tracts, making it harder for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can be used instead of pasta and rice and are very healthy alternatives. Cauliflower steaks, cauliflower rice and Cous Cous are natural accompaniments to many of your favourite meals
Celery is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the strength of the immune system.
Leeks have both anti-inflammatory and immune effects rich in selenium which may play a part in the management of viral, inflammatory and allergic conditions.
Purple Sprouting Broccoli (PSB), part of your rainbow diet and high in flu beating anti -oxidants.
See my recipe for immune beating vegetable and chicken Soup on the THC Recipe page - https://www.thclements.co.uk/our-products/leeks/immune-busting-soup-with-chicken-and-vegetables
Katie Dobiesz Medical Herbalist BSC PGCHE MNIMH