BENEFITS OF ADDING NECTARINES TO YOUR DIET

If nectarines are not currently included on your food list, you might want to add them.  Nectarines are a good source of immunity-boosting Vitamin C, potassium - essential for blood pressure control, etc, and Vitamin A which is important for eye health.  When buying nectarines, pick ones that are fragrant and give slightly when lightly squeezed.  You can't go by color as there are many varieties of nectarines that look ripe when they aren't.  You can ripen a firm nectarine by setting in on the kitchen counter in a paper bag.

MUSHROOMS BOOST IMMUNITY

The hormone estrogen is involved in 75% of all breast cancer cases. Mushrooms have been shown to reduce breast cancer risk by 66%! Unique compounds in mushrooms, regardless of variety, regulate estrogen levels by blocking an enzyme known for ramping up estrogen production. Be sure you are including mushrooms in your diet. Mushrooms added to soups, salads, sauces etc. can help keep your immune cells strong.

file photo

GOOD FOODS TO BOOST IMMUNITY

I think we all know Vitamin C is important to our immunity. Most of us have probably been told since childhood to drink orange juice, etc to fight colds and various other maladies. It is true that Vitamin C plays an important role in immunity but there are others we should consider, too. Researchers in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, found that folic acid, potassium and calcium are also important immunity boosters. Their findings found that citrus fruits, papayas, and kiwis strengthen immune cell response and antiviral activity.  They found that amino acid-rich milk and yogurt enhance the function of virus-fighting white blood cells and T cells. This could be good information to remember when we get into cold and flu season, although we should probably consider this in our everyday diet.

file photo

ANOTHER REASON TO EAT WALNUTS-1

Did you know that much of your body's immunity is in the gut or digestive system? As we face fear over disease it is important to have good immunity so you must take care of your gut.

A study from Pennsylviania State University in 2019 found that eating 2 to 3 ounces of walnuts per day as part of a healthy diet was associated with positive changes in the gut. The research found the fatty acids, fiber, and bioactive compounds of walnuts act as food for the microbiome and produce beneficial bacteria.

Just another reason to add a few walnuts to your daily diet.

file photo

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT SWEET POTATOES?