5 Super Foods To Boost Your Immune System

Our MD, Han van de Braak BSc LicAc MCSP MBAcC (Retd.), is a passionate believer in the well-known phrase; ‘you are what you eat‘. After spending over four decades treating patients with various ailments, Han shares five of his favourite superfoods which he believes we should all regularly include in our healthy diets and here’s why:

Berry Nice

Berries are incredibly easy to add into your diet. Whether you add berries to your daily smoothie or include a sprinkle on your cereal each morning, berries are high in antioxidants and packed with disease-fighting nutrients. Berries are low in calories, and high in fibre and vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Berries are the healthiest fruits due in part to their antioxidant plant pigments. So dark berries such as blueberries are especially high in bioflavonoids. Berries have also been shown to have proven benefits for your heart health, including helping to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you can’t get fresh, opt for frozen.

Aloe Aloe

Aloe vera is sometimes overlooked when people talk about superfoods! That may be because it is herb you wouldn’t cook with. But it sure is one of the immunomodulation super foods thanks to the nutrients of well-grown aloe vera. Research has shown antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties as well as immunomodulator properties. Aloe helps regulate bowel movement and helps you grow a healthier gut microbiome which is where your immunity starts. Aloe can help to manage blood sugar regulation which in turn helps immun and supports healthy skin, hair and nails.

Unlike the other superfoods on this list, harvesting the goodness from the aloe vera plant is not easy, but the good news is that you don’t have to, thanks to our pure, certified organic aloe vera capsules! Take one Aloeride vegetarian capsule a day, and you are giving your body 426 milligram of pure aloe vera goodness. You can also open the capsule up and mix with a drop of water to create a paste and apply directly to the skin for a variety of skin conditions from heat rash through to mild scolds or dry skin. If you can’t swallow the thought of capsules, simply open our capsule into your daily smoothie and get a powerful plant punch of goodness.

A Well Oiled Machine!

I call this liquid gold! Olive oil is an essential staple of the Mediterranean diet. It is an excellent source of polyphenols, vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids, all which help reduce the risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest that it might even help reduce inflammation and help prevent bone loss with ageing. Extra virgin olive is the olive oil of choice, given that it is the highest quality olive oil. Use it in salad dressings, drizzle over dishes and team it with bread instead of butter – versatile, delicious and good for you!

Go Nuts!

In our household, we always have at least one variety of nuts in the cupboard. Walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans and almonds are a great source of plant protein which are the building blocks for healthy muscles and tissues. It has also been suggested that plant protein may also be beneficial for weight loss. Nuts also contain monounsaturated fats, which may be a contributing factor in reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Peanuts have the most protein content but go for the unsalted variety! My ‘go-to’ snack attack or to add some extra crunch to a salad or vegetable dish. Nuts are high in calories so take a sensible approach to eating them by the handful if you are watching your waistline.

You Say Tomato & I Say Tomato

However you wish to pronounce it, the tomato is a superfood we include in our diet most days. Plum, cherry or tinned, tomatoes are known to be high in Vitamin C and lycopene, which has been shown to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. A delicious foundation ingredient to your pasta dish or a heart-warming soup and splash of colour for your salad.

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