TINA'S THOUGHTS ~

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Stave Off Colds and Wrinkles this Season

With the changeable temperatures we are experiencing it is no wonder that cold and flu viruses are having a party! Take heart because there are superfoods you can incorporate into your diet that speedily boost your body's antioxidant and immune system to stave off the latest lurgi that's going round and new wrinkles. In addition to a healthy balanced diet and getting enough sleep, try some of the following:

1. Garlic. I recommend odourless aged garlic tablets daily. I like Quest Kyolic Garlic 600 aged garlic extract or Allimax. Garlic is rich in sulphur compounds which are detoxifying and strengthening to the immune system. One of these compounds, allicin, which is part of garlic's own immune defence system, has been proven to be effective in treating MRSA in hospitalised patients and it appears it may also be effective at preventing common cold viruses from taking hold.

2. Acai berries contain high amounts of antioxidants called anthocyanins which are known to fortify the immune system in addition to being anti ageing. Add a teaspoon or two of acai berry powder to a pot of natural bio yoghurt or smoothie or drink acai berry juice. Another good cold-thrashing super juice is elderberry.

Note: Before taking any nutritional supplements, if you are in any doubt or are on any medication, please consult your doctor first.

3. Pumpkin and sesame seeds. These contain a high amount of zinc (about 10mg of zinc per 100g of seeds which is 70% of recommended daily allowance), which together with vitamin C is a great immune booster. Eat the seeds ground as they are pretty indigestible otherwise; you need to grind them to absorb the nutrients.

Other foods that contain zinc include: red meat, poultry, live yoghurt, shell fish, nuts and dried fruit. Live 'active' (or 'bio) yoghurt is known to reduce the chances of catching a cold; I like to eat natural yoghurt with ground seeds and fruit or as part of my Anti-Ageing & Slimming 5-Minute Cheesecake which also contains acai.

4. Red and green hot chili peppers. Green chili peppers contain the highest levels of vitamin C of any food, just over 100mg of vitamin C in a single green chilli pepper. Red ones have very high levels too. Other brilliant winter sources of vitamin C are red, orange or yellow bell peppers or broccoli which you should eat cooked (boiled) as this increases the amount of available vitamin C however do not overcook or leave soaking in water. Of course oranges, grapefruit, clementines and satsumas are also good vitamin C sources. Papaya too.

5. Brazil nuts and mushrooms contain selenium which a bit like zinc boosts our virus-fighting immune system.

Keep well this season ;)

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