6 delicious immunity boosters
Sail through cold and flu season sniffle-free
Red wine fends off colds
Great news for wine lovers! Sipping 4 oz. to 8 oz. of red wine daily cuts your risk of fall colds by 40%, even when you’re exposed to people who are already ill. That’s the word from Yale University researchers, who say grape skin compounds (flavonoids) quickly destroy any rhinoviruses that sneak into your bloodstream.
Leafy greens block viruses
Your digestive system produces its own immune cells—and if you have enough of these killer cells available when viruses invade, they rapidly quash infections. British research proves it’s easy to triple your gut’s production of these feisty infection-fighters just by eating 1 cup of leafy greens daily. Thanks goes to nutrients (vitamin K and flavonoids) that energize immune cell production in the lining of your GI tract.
Red bell peppers strengthen your airways
These colorful gems are packed with vitamin C and carotenoids, nutrients that strengthen the respiratory tract lining from the nose to the lungs to prevent viral invasions. Nibble on 1 cup of red or orange peppers daily, and Stanford University researchers say your risk of draggy fall colds and complications like sinus infections and bronchitis will drop by as much as 67%.
Pork snuffs out invading germs
The zinc found in pork is a potent antiviral mineral that destroys germs at their most common point of entry— the tissues lining your nose and throat. No wonder Australian researchers have found that women who enjoy 12 oz. of pork weekly have 58% fewer sick days each fall and winter!
Yogurt powers up immune cells
It makes a great on-the-go snack, and University of Kansas researchers say eating 1 cup daily will cut your risk of colds, the flu and other viral infections in half, plus help you recover 74% faster if you do fall ill. Yogurt’s Lactobacillus acidophilus, a healthy probiotic bacteria, stimulates your immune system to produce germkilling dynamos called lymphocytes.
Eggs activate antiviral enzymes
The unique blend of nutrients (amino acids, lutein and zeaxanthin) in this favorite breakfast option increases your body’s production of a powerful antiviral compound called gamma interferon by as much as 75%, Canadian researchers reveal. In fact, savoring two eggs daily—whatever style you prefer—will cut your risk of any fall or winter illness in half!