Before we get started with the "Foods for the Immune System" blog, we have listed a few Yogurt Fusion public announcements:
Season's Greetings from Yogurt Fusion!
Toys for Tots!
It's that time of year again! If you'd like to participate by contributing an unwrapped gift for a boy or girl, stop by Yogurt Fusion and drop if off. Toys will be delivered to the Marine Toys for Tots Drive 2011. Thank you for making Christmas very special for children in the Triangle!
Happy Holidays from Yogurt Fusion! - Enjoy 20% off during Christmas and the New Year!
Save 20% this Holiday and through January 2012! Simply download and print this coupon card and bring it into the store. Enjoy 20% off your entire purchase. Keep this coupon and use it whenever you visit the store.
YoFu Gift Certificates!
Is anyone left on your gift list? Do they looove yogurt? Stop by Yogurt Fusion and pick up a certificate for Frozen Yogurt this Holiday season. Gift certificates are available in any amount. Make someone very happy and get yours today!
When feeling sick from a cold or the flu, many people will refrain from eating all together-- or they will eat foods that may not contain the healthy nutrients needed for healing. Choosing the right foods will heal the body and even speed recovery. Eating foods rich in Antioxidants, Beta Carotene, Vitamin A, the B Vitamins, Vitamin C and D help neutralize free radicals and toxins, protect our bodily cells and boost our Immune Systems. In the last blog we focused on good foods which boost the Immunity that included Garlic, Bell Peppers, Tea, Broccoli and Pumpkins which are all rich in necessary nutrients. This week we'll focus on more foods rich in these properties that work at the cellular level to keep bodies strong during the cold and flu seasons, beginning with Yogurt, a good food for boosting Immunity!
Yogurt
Yogurt contains Probiotics which are live microorganisms, and upon ingestion in sufficient numbers, provide health benefits beyond normal nutrition. Probiotics are considered 'good bacteria' and eating yogurts rich in probiotics can lead to an improved immune response by increasing the body's white blood cell count. These good bacteria are found in yogurts rich in live and active cultures, the lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains.
Yogurt is also good for your bones- it is a good source of calcium. Adequate intake of calcium as part of a healthful diet may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Yogurt rich in live and active cultures supports wellness and is a good source of nutrition, as it is low in sugar and sodium and most are nonfat. As mentioned in an earlier YF blog, yogurt's live bacteria has benefits for women. Studies have found that women who experienced yeast infections and consumed 8 ounces of yogurt daily for six months, had a threefold decrease in yeast infections, PMS and symptoms relating to pre-and post menopause.
An Improved Immune Response:
Three primary beneficial effects associated with probiotics are:
- (1) They support good digestive health, and increase digestibility of dairy products with lactose malabsorption
- (2) They inhibit harmful bacteria and improve intestinal microbial balance
- (3) And they stimulate digestive and body Immunity resulting in an improved immune response
A healthy dose of these good bacteria can protect the body against harmful bacteria and infections. These bacteria line the intestinal tract and fend off invading germs, which can cause the cold and flu. An easy yogurt recipe can be found in an earlier YoFu blog entry, Froyo Happenings-- Holiday Faves.
Apples
An apple a day can keep the doctor away. Studies have shown that the soluble fiber found in apples has benefits. They reduce the inflammation associated with disease and strengthen the immune system. Soluble fiber changes immune cells from pro-inflammatory, angry cells, to anti-inflammatory healing cells that aid in faster recovery from infection.
This happens because soluble fiber causes increased production of anti-inflammatory proteins. The recommended daily dietary recommendation is 28 to 35 grams of total fiber. Other good sources of soluble fiber are oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, lentils, citrus fruits, strawberries, and carrots. Insoluble fiber, found in whole wheat and whole-grain products, wheat bran, and some vegetables is also valuable for providing bulk and helping food move through the digestive system, but they don't provide the boost to the immune system that soluble fiber provides.
Apples also have beauty benefits. They're full of vitamin C that is an important vitamin for complexions and hair. Vitamin C speeds up skin's cell production and strengthens the hair and nails. Apples also contain Vitamins B5 and B9 which combat skin irritations. Warm baked cinnamon apples are delicious this time of year, or anytime. Why not indulge in their beauty benefits as well as their health benefits
Pomegranates
People all over the world have discovered the amazing benefits of Pomegranates. They are one of the earliest fruits and have been in use for centuries. Pomegranate seeds and its juice have anti-microbial properties and effectively kill disease-causing bacteria. This fruit is loaded with antioxidants which help fight against inflammation and can prevent certain types of cancers It has also been used to shrink existing tumors. Pomegranates contain many immune boosting properties to include the anti-inflammatory components which fight bacteria and they contain a lot of essential vitamins (vitamins C, A, and E and folic acid) which work to reduce respiratory problems, which can be present with colds and the flu. Other wonders of this fruit include: prevents anemia and increases blood cell counts; it improves prostate health in men; has been known to prevent Alzheimers disease and to treat diabetes;it has been effective in reducing certain heart diseases and reducing systolic blood pressure; and reduces LDL cholesterol naturally.
Pomegranates are a Superfood and are consumed in several ways to include sprinkling the seeds onto salads and other foods,using the seeds to make sauces, dips and desserts, or by processing the seeds and extracting their juices for beverages.
Pomegranate Juice:
You will need:
- Pomegranates and water
- Use several pomegranates, as the seeds provide a small amount of juice, depending on the size of the pomegranates.
- Cut open the pomegranate and gently scoop out the seeds.
- Place the seeds into a food processor or blender.
- Add a cup of water and blend on high. Strain the juice with a medium mesh strainer, and if possible through a fine mesh strainer.
- Add sugar to sweeten, if desired. This will make about 2 cups of juice. (If using a juicer, the machine will discard the fiberous material and extra pulp - add water to desired consistency.)
Next week's Yogurt Fusion Blog will present the second installment of the series, "Foods for the Immune System - Part 2" , highlighting more foods to Boost the Immune System.
From all of us to all of you, have a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
