Foods to Consume to Avoid Getting the Flu by Grace Barbettini

      In the past week or so, many people have been getting head colds and catching the flu.

      But what about those people who DON'T get the flu? What are they doing right that we are doing wrong? Well, some of it has to do with their immune system. Obviously, if you have a strong immune system, it is harder for you to catch a virus that may be lurking around the corner. So the questions is, how does one obtain such immunity? Well, a few factors can play a role: better sleep, daily vitamin supplements, lowering stress levels, and eating healthy foods.

     Here's a small little list of some immune system boosting foods!


COLORFUL WHOLE FRUITS:
Whole fruits? What is a whole fruit. Essentially, it is a fruit that is still "alive" and hasn't been on the shelf for months in a can. The more color, the more beta carotene which is a form of vitamin A and a natural antioxidant. Lack of this vitamin can mess up your immune system functioning. Fruits also contain high levels of vitamin C. You can take supplemental vitamin C in the form of a pill, but if you can get it in fresh fruits, it's even better. Some brightly colored fruits include: strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, cantaloupe and watermelons.

LEAFY DARK GREENS:
Vegetables also contain vitamins A and C just like fruits. However, they also contain immune system-promoting vitamins D, K, B1, B2, B6, as well as flu-preventing minerals including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, copper, and Omega-3 fatty acids. These are all big aids in preventing the flu. Some leafy greens to consider trying, include romaine lettuce, collards, Swiss chard, spinach, mustard greens and turnip greens. So, the next time your friend has a salad and you chuckle at them, better think twice. Those icky leafy greens have some power to 'em.

MUSHROMS:
 Who would have thunk? Those strange looking fungi are flu preventing! Mushrooms contain copper, which is a mineral that helps immune system cell development. Crimini mushrooms contain tons of  B complex vitamins including B2 and B5, as well as immune protecting-mineral zinc.

SALMON:
 Salmon contains rich amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help your immune system respond at a quicker rate. Salmon also contains good sources of vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, niacin and vitamin B6.

      So, there you go. It's easier said than done, but eating at least some raw fruits and veggies everyday will decrease your level of catching the flu and you will be less likely to get sick. Along with the occasional fungi and fishy specimen, of course.


    Or, you could always NOT eat anything healthy and build yourself this nifty little contraption here.

 

Information from Livestrong