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Choosing Foods for Healthy Immunity

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Nov 9, 2009 12:24 pm US/Pacific

Choosing Foods for Healthy Immunity

(CBS)

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We've been talking about and hearing a lot about the various strains of influenza that are circulating. We've also been talking about strategic ways to give the immune system and added boost by eating more healthfully. We have an auspicious opportunity to indulge our immune systems with a veritable cornucopia of delicious healthy foods.

The immune system loves to be fed whole foods; sources of vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, copper and potassium are plentifully found in many of the seasons produce.

Choose artichokes for their generous amounts of fiber, folic acid, vitamin C, and potassium. Steam them gently and serve with heart healthy garlic and olive oil. Green vegetables like Bok choy and kale are richly endowed with vitamin C and carotenes. Serve a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger, and sesame seeds. No fall menu would be complete without versatile sweet potato, a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6. In a pie, mashed with maple syrup, baked, or pureed in a soup, this spud is no dud when it comes to your immune system. Enjoy the coming together of healthy food, family, and friends.

One of the most powerful dietary agents for strong immunity is a eating a broad variety of foods that are rich in key antioxidants; choose sweet potatoes, carrots and apricots, all rich in beta carotene. Lutein is great for your eyes and your immune system, choose from kale, spinach and broccoli. Build your stores of Vitamin C with citrus fruits, strawberries and chili peppers. You can strengthen your thymus gland which in critical for optimal immunity function by getting your zinc and Vitamin A foods covered; brazil nuts, almonds, beans, pumpkin and green leafy's. A great way to cover your immune system needs dietarily speaking is by having a stir-fry with your choice of these veggies over brown rice, omega 3 salmon and seasoned with ginger, garlic and shitake mushrooms all of these have great immune supportive qualities.