5 immune-boosting foods hiding in your kitchen 

Let’s talk about immune-boosting foods hiding in your kitchen. I’m currently sitting here looking out the window at heavy rainfall and grey skies. Ah such typical winter weather! Don’t get me wrong though, I do love winter with it’s rainy days and cozy weather. After all, what could be better than wrapping yourself up in a blanket with a hot water bottle and a warm mug of hot cacao! A downside of this time of year, however, are the colds and flu that seem to run rampant. Luckily, there are many things we can do to help avoid or decrease the severity of colds and flu.

Here are 5 foods likely already hiding in your kitchen that’s loaded with various nutrients to support your immunity this cold and flu season.

1. Garlic: rich in allicin, a sulphur-containing compound which has antimicrobial and other immune-boosting properties. Garlic is also beautifully warming, which is great for immune health. Other fantastic antimicrobial and immune strengthening warmers include chili, ginger and onion.

2. Mushrooms: having been used medicinally for thousands of years, these are amazing immune regulators! Shiitake mushrooms in particular are known to support your immunity.

3. Canned salmon: salmon and other oily fish (e.g. mackerel, sardines, herring) are rich in omega-3 fats, which are essential to healthy immune function. Salmon is also a great source of protein, vitamin D and B vitamins, which are vital to immunity.

4. Nuts/seeds: nutritional powerhouses, these are rich in omega-3 and are an excellent sources of various minerals (e.g. zinc, calcium, magnesium) and vitamins (e.g. Vitamin E). Pick raw and unsalted options. Some of our favourites include pumpkin and sunflower seeds, walnuts, Brazil nuts and almonds.

5. Citrus fruit: citrus fruit is rich in Vitamin C, which we all know to be good for immunity! Enjoy mandarins, which are in season at this time of year (in fact, I’m eating one right now!).

There are many other fabulous foods out there that will help boost your immunity, including pumpkin, sweet potato, fermented foods like miso and plain yoghurt, red capsicum, tomatoes, turmeric and loads more. This roasted pumpkin soup is one of my favourite recipes full of immune-boosting foods. And while we’re talking about soups, this nourishing chicken soup is another fabulous one full of immune loving goodies.