With September nearly over and October just around the corner, you can definitely notice that first sense of chill in the air. It won’t be long before we get to enjoy bonfires, lovely autumn walks and pumpkin spice everything! Fall isn’t all fun, though. You may be getting that first hint of something else that’s just around the corner: cold and flu season.
There’s nothing worse than getting that first sniffle or cough that you just know is the predecessor to something worse. It seems that once that cold settles in, it’s there to stay. Well, this year you can help ward off illness and help your body to stay healthy naturally just by eating smarter. Here are five organic foods in Poplar Bluff, MO to help boost your immune system.
Spinach
It’s no wonder that spinach is considered a “super food.” Spinach is just packed with nutrients that will help you stay healthy. Spinach is full of antioxidants that will help protect your immune cells and increase the production of bacteria-fighting white blood cells. Spinach also contains folate, which helps your body with new cell generation.
Sweet potatoes
From stews to pies, the sweet potato is not only delicious and versatile—it is also rich in vitamins. Sweet potatoes contain vitamins C and D, which are both known for helping to ward off colds and viruses. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of iron, which helps your body with its white blood cell production.
Butternut squash
Butternut squash, another fall favorite, is next in our list of immune system helpers. This sweet, nutty-tasting veggie is a great source of vitamin A, which is essential to the health of your immune system. Butternut squash also contains a generous amount of vitamin E, which helps protect immune cells from free radicals, potentially harmful byproducts of natural human physiological processes.
Yogurt
When you’re talking about immune boosting foods, yogurt just has to be right up there with the best of them. Yogurt is full of probiotics, which help to reduce the severity of colds. Look for yogurts that say “live and active cultures” on the packaging and contain added vitamin D for that extra boost.
Oranges
Our list of immune boosting foods would not be complete without our hero for the day: oranges. Oranges are well known for their immune boosting super powers. Oranges contain vitamins A, C and B-9, which all help in the protection of immune cells and the increased production of white blood cells. Oranges also contain copper, which also helps support the immune system.
If you’re dreading this cold and flu season, but don’t want to overload your body with over-the-counter drugs, consider eating organic foods instead. You can find some delicious organic foods in Poplar Bluff, MO that not only taste good, but will also help prepare your body to ward off even the toughest cold this winter. Visit The Bee Hive Natural Foods today to browse our selection or speak to one of our experts!