Ninja Nutrition: Boosting your immune system
Alright Ninja Fans,
After a short break and way too much to catch up on around the Ninja homestead, I am back to posting new material here on the website. Now with Winter coming on and a lot of indoor time, many people tend to fall prey to the ravages of colds and the flu during this time, but I am here with some nutrition tips to help you stay healthy during the winter or hell anythime year round, and it all starts with a bit of healthy eating of the following items!
In no particular order my favorite immune boosting foods:
#1 Garlic
Garlic is nature’s antibiotic. It’s antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties help to not only fight infection, but to ward off sickness in the first place. Garlic contains sulfur-based organic compounds, which give garlic its funky order and help boost the immune system. Mince it raw and blend it with some chickpeas, olive oil and lemon to make a hummus, add it to sauces and side dishes. It’s a powerful bulb that’s sure to keep illness at bay.
#2 Miso Soup
Miso is a fermented soy product rich in probiotic cultures, which are essential for immune health. Approximately, 80 percent of our immune system resides in the gut, so in order to keep our immune system strong we need to keep our intestinal system healthy with probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms (good bacteria) that help fight off all the bad bacteria. They also help fight illness by increasing the number of virus-fighting cells.
#3 Pumpkin Seeds
These awesome seeds are rich in immune-boosting vitamin E, zinc and essential fatty acids, including the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant omega-3. Vitamin E is required for the production of immunoglobulins. These act as our body’s own personal bodyguards as they destroy all those pathogens that try to do us harm. Zinc helps increase the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and T cells.
#4 Mushrooms
Whether we’re talking button, crimini or shiitake, mushrooms are amazing immune boosters. Mushrooms are rich in a type of polysaccharide called beta glucan, which has the ability to “activate” the immune system and help prevent infections. It regulates white blood cells and keeps them in a highly prepared state so they’re ready to attack any invaders. Mushrooms are also rich in vitamins, polyphenols, sterols and zinc, which all keep our immune systems healthy and strong.
Bufu Ikkan
Airyu
PS: Stay tuned for changes going on here at the site!!