5 Immune Boosting Superfoods You Need This Season!
by Vickie Chin on Dec 06, 2018
What’s worse than catching a cold? Catching it during what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. At Organic Traditions, one of our many focuses is on prevention. Why wait until you’re already sick to start upping your vitamin C intake? We want you to put your focus on prevention, rather than treatment.
We’ve rounded up our top 5 superfoods to help you PREVENT getting sick this holiday season. Check them out below!
Turmeric is high in tannins, or polyphenols, which are micronutrients that are packed with antioxidants. Turmeric also contains curcumin, another antioxidant that is well known for its ability to help fight inflammation and even alleviate pain. Try making a turmeric latte - but don’t forget to pair it with some black pepper and a healthy fat, as these help to activate all of those benefits found within the root. You could also add some turmeric powder to your stir-frys, roasted veggies and even baked goods! Check out our recipe for golden turmeric granola here!
Nature’s richest source of whole vitamin C, Camu Camu, a shrub found in the Amazonian rain forests of Peru, bears a fruit that has been used as medicine for centuries. It has been commonly used to treat viral infections and even the common cold. Camu camu is known to increase energy while delivering antioxidants to the body to help strengthen and stimulate the immune system. Just one teaspoon of our Camu Camu powder contains approximately 8 times the RDI of vitamin C, which equals about 500mg of whole food vitamin C! For those of you who prefer to take your vitamins in supplement form, we’ve got you covered with our Natural Traditions Camu Camu Berry Capsules!
An excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C and fibre, baobab has been revered by the indigenous cultures of Madagascar and Africa for hundreds of years. It is considered one of Africa’s most important superfruits and has been a part of their traditional diet for centuries. With an ORAC value of 7,000-8,000 per tablespoon and a unique blend of essential minerals and vitamins, baobab has the ability to help boost your immune system, which we can definitely all benefit from this time of year! The high vitamin C content of baobab may also help in preventing infections and other serious health problems.
Spicy and warming, ginger should definitely be a go-to when you’re looking to prevent getting sick, but also for those times when it’s a little too late. Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory properties that help to prevent AND combat cold and flu symptoms. This powerful root aids in digestion, reduces nausea and helps the body flush out harmful toxins. The warming, sometimes spicy taste of ginger also helps to break down mucus trapped in the lungs, fighting off the potential for infections.
You know what they say... an apple a day keeps the doctor away! This saying pretty much sums up our feelings when it comes to prevention vs treatment. Apples are an excellent source of vitamin C and are very rich in antioxidants. However, almost 40% of the antioxidants in apples are found in the skin! Apple peel powder contains nutrients that may assist in the prevention of chronic disease and also powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that everyone can benefit from. You can read more about the benefits of apple peel powder on our blog here!
