Tips on Healthy Winter Eating

Nasty illnesses such cold and flu can be frequent during the winter season with the assaults to the immune system. You can keep going and boost your immune system even during the winter months. There are some tips and great foods for remaining healthy in the winter months. There are a number of foods that will help you to remain healthy all winter long:

• Citrus fruits including lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges are excellent sources of immune boosting vitamin C. 
• Carrots and green vegetables that are high in antioxidants
• Pomegranates
• Potatoes

This time of year eating fruits and vegetables is a must. Boosting the immunity can be done by eating carrots, which have anti-oxidants and beta-carotene; other great foods include mangoes and squash. Green mangoes can be used for salads while salsas and smoothies can have the mangoes that are riper in them.

Getting a veg box delivered over the winter can make life easier

Probiotics that help to protect against infection can be found in yogurts because of the live cultures in them. You can also add yogurt to recipes to boost the immune system farther, you can even mix it with cream cheese to use a spread. Garlic is also something that can be used all year long to help boost immunity and fight against illnesses such as cold and flu.

Yogurt with added protein will give you a boost.

Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits will help to keep the immune system working properly in order to keep you healthy. Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes and juices are a source of vitamin C that can help to ensure that you get the recommended daily dose without having to take supplements.

Pomegranates and their juice are full of antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of free radicals into LDL cholesterol. The oxidation causes plaque to build up in the arteries, and drinking pomegranate juice can keep the blood flowing freely to the heart. Vitamins A, C, and K can be found in escarole, mustard and collards, which are also source of folate.

Why not try my Apple, Celery and Stilton soup? Blog post soon!

Soups are an amazing way to keep yourself eating healthy in the winter. You can fix soups with a variety of vegetables to help ensure that you get almost all of the nutrients that you need.  An example would be adding potatoes that are rich in vitamin B6 and C. Vegetarian chili will help the body that is afflicted with a cold or the flu. There are antiviral effects from garlic and onions while the immune system benefits from beans. Spices aid in clearing the sinuses, which can help you to feel better if you have the flu or a cold.

There are dozens of healthy seasonal foods that can be eaten in winter such as collards and mustard greens, which can be planted in a small space in your yard. Eating a wide variety of foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals will help you to receive the antioxidant boosting properties and natural probiotics that aid in digestive health. A wide range of colours and textures will help to make sure you are eating a healthy combination.

This post was written by Tammy Mahan, a medical/health freelance writer who contributes articles to Healthline.Com. You can find more Healthline content on twitter and Facebook.