Importance of a Healthy Immune System
Posted by Annie O Brien | 19th Mar 2020
The Importance of a Healthy Immune System
A healthy immune system can protect us from illness so we need to support this through our diet and lifestyle choices.
The best approach is a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables with good sources of protein, fibre rich carbohydrates and healthy fats; adequate sleep and rest, daily exercise and good hydration. All the basics.
But now, more than ever we are focussed on what we can do to maintain health and protect ourselves in the future.Unfortunately, good nutrition isn’t a quick fix. It’s good practices done consistently over a weeks and months and years that will result in a robust immune system. But time and time again, the one aspect of diet that is heralded as being the number 1 food source for health are fruits and vegetables.
So, what is it about fruit and vegetables that are so good for us? They contain ‘micro-nutrients’. Nutrients that we need every day but a smaller amount. These are typically Vitamins and Minerals but also consist of Phytonutrients and Antioxidants. There is overwhelming evidence that people whose diet is rich in fruit and vegetables are healthier than those whose diet is lacking.
Micronutrients for our Immune System
There are some stand-out stars of the micronutrients who certainly help with immune function:
Vitamin C – Citrus Fruits, Peppers, Broccoli, Kiwi
Vitamin A (Beta- Carotene) – Orange, yellow and Red fruits and vegetables and dark g
reen leafy veg!
Vitamin E – Walnuts, Nuts and Seeds, Almonds, Peanut Butter
Zinc – Shellfish, Beef, Lamb, Chicken and Turkey
Selenium – Brazil Nuts, Bread, Fish, Meat, EggsMagnesium – Dark Green Leafy Veg, Nuts and Seeds
At GourmetFuel, our meals are designed by expert nutritionists. They are calorie controlled meals designed to not only to meet macronutrient requirements, but also the micronutrient requirements of men and women.