Flu protection with these top ten immune boosting foods

Swine Flu protection starts to take front and center for adults and kids alike. Being sure that the whole family is getting a healthy dose of immune boosting foods can mean the difference between a miserable fall and winter or a happy and healthy one.


Feeding kids healthy foods can feel like an uphill battle sometimes, but it is not impossible. And it is actually really quite doable. It just takes a little ingenuity, creativity and good modeling. Getting the kids involved in the shopping, prepping and planning can go a long way towards their enthusiasm.



Try incorporating these top ten immune boosting foods into the family meals.

Garlic & Onions – They may not be a favorite, but adding these potent foods into meals in small amounts can keep everyone healthy.


Cruciferous Vegetables - including broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, are good sources of betacarotene and help protect against free-radical damage. They also contain vitamin C and calcium. Try offering them with a dip of agave nectar and almond butter.


Green Leafy Veggies - also contain beta carotene, the precursor to vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium. For kids try them in a green smoothie to mask the “green” flavor.


Orange Vegetables - like sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin and winter squash are a good source of vitamin A


California Avocados - are rich in vitamin A and potassium and also contain folic acid and magnesium.


Shitake and Maitake Mushrooms - increase the body’s production of white blood cells, which are part of the immune system. Try a small amount in miso soup.


Papaya & Mango - Slice up a papaya or mango for dessert. Add to a green smoothie for yummy tropical sweetness.


Bell Peppers - Red, yellow, and orange peppers have about twice the vitamin C of green peppers.


Jicama - provides as much vitamin C as brocolli. Just peel and cut into “fries” for dipping into guacamole, salsa, nut butter or even natural ketchup.


Kiwi & Orange - the fuzzy little brown fruit with the deep green interior, make a great “fun” food. Pair with orange for a super dose of vitamin C.


For picky eaters, a good tasting green food powder may be just the ticket. Eating an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits is definitely the ticket to flu protection for the whole family.



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