Food for Your Immune System

Van Bryan
Zeta Beta Tau

Winter is here, and it is that time when people everywhere are picking up cold medicine and stocking up on soup. And yes, we all get sick and most of us are good about seeking treatment once we are down with some sort of winter time bug. However, we tend to forget about taking care of ourselves before the onset of an illness. Most people assume that their immune system will do the work and whatever happens, happens. However there is a world of good you could be doing yourself just by picking out what it is you are having for breakfast. Here are some unsuspecting foods that can promote your health and keep you out of the doctor’s office.

Tomatoes

A wise man once said that knowledge is realizing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad. That aside, tomatoes are full of an enzyme known as lycopene. This enzyme has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In a recent study by the journal of nutrition, it was found that people who have seven or more weekly servings of tomatoes have a 30 percent less likely chance of having cardiovascular disease.

Dairy Products

Low-fat dairy products provide plenty of calcium to help keep bones and teeth strong. They are also a great source of protein, and can even enhance weight loss. Research conducted at the University of Tennessee showed that eating three servings per day of low-fat dairy products could foster weight loss. Low-fat dairy, in the form of yogurt, cheese or milk, could be your secret weapon to staying healthy and losing weight. So the next time you are at the grocery, store be sure you stop at dairy section .

Fishy Food

Fish, and specifically Omega-3 oil that is found in fish can promote cardiovascular health. It can also reduce the risk of heart inflammation. It is recommended by the American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish such a Tuna, Mackerel or sardines. There have been studies to suggest that men who eat fish two to three times a week may reduce their risk of stroke by 43 percent. Cultures such as Japan that have fish as a staple in their diet have been shown to have better cardiovascular health.

It is important to consider your health. And now that you have a better idea of what foods can help you stay healthy, maybe you will think twice at the grocery store. I hope you all do well this cold season, and maybe now you will waste fewer sick days.