Found! Immunity boosters that slim
Losing a little weight won’t just make you feel great, it can pump up your protection against viruses and bacteria! Australian researchers say shedding as little as 10 pounds activates genes that make immune cells stronger and more energetic, boosting their ability to destroy viruses and bacteria by 65%. To get the best of both… Take your time
That 20-minute stroll you took this morning is already speeding weight loss, and adding another 10 minutes could cut your risk of respiratory illnesses in half, suggests research in the journal Aging Cell. Explains study co-author Ross Pollock, PH.D., exercise energizes immune cells, helping them attack germs as vigorously as they did in your youth. Bonus: Danish researchers say even a small boost in calorie burn could help you shed 12 pounds this year.
Pour a frosty beer
Spanish researchers say this brew is packed with immunity-boosting compounds (flavonoids), and sipping 12 oz. daily could cut your risk of illness by 30%.
Crunch peppers
Snacking on red peppers— or any other red fruit or veggie— daily could speed weight loss by 35%, plus cut your risk of viral infections by as much as 65%, four studies suggest. Explains pathologist Rosa Simone, M.D., their reddish compounds (lycopene and resveratrol) activate fat-burning genes, plus they strengthen the tissues lining your lungs, so germs have more trouble sneaking in.
Keep on reading
Adding another half hour to your weekly reading time could cut illness risk by 40%! Researchers say getting lost in a story tamps down production of immunity-weakening stress hormones as effectively as meditation does. Bonus: Relaxing with a book can quash food cravings in 6 minutes, and help you slim 35% faster if you read daily!
Boost C
Taking 500 mg. of immunity-boosting vitamin C daily could trim three days off your recovery time if you become ill— and it will help you burn belly fat 30% faster, say researchers at Arizona State University. Turns out this nutrient helps liver cells burn fat for fuel.