Staying Healthy Through the Cold and Flu Season
This year, most people have had a tough time getting
a flu shot. The fact that the vaccine is in short supply
has put many people on alert about the flu and cold season.
But there’s no guarantee that the vaccine will
prevent you from getting the flu, and there is no vaccine
against the common cold. What can you do stay healthy
this winter? Be careful about exposure and keep your
immune system in tip-top order through a healthy diet
and exercise.
Fresh1 offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables
rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can help strengthen
your immune system and ward off illness. Make a daily
habit of eating at least one fruit with Vitamin C,
get some exercise at least 3 times a week, and wash your
hands frequently to keep cold and flu germs at bay.
By
taking better care of yourself, you can minimize your
chance of infection or diminish the severity of any
bugs you do happen to catch. A diet full of powerful
fruits
and vegetables is key to good health!
- One glass of orange juice a day can help
you fight off colds and flu. One 8-ounce serving contains
100% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, which
boosts
the immune system.
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant
and helps support cardiovascular health, reduce the
risk of
some cancers, and aids in the absorption of inorganic
iron,
which aids in the treatment of anemia and stress.
- Just half of a medium grapefruit provides
all of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, and contains
nutrients that help strengthen bones, tissues, and
blood
vessels.
- Oranges and grapefruits are high in soluble
fiber, which may help reduce risk of cancer and heart
disease, as well as aid in digestion.
- Citrus fruits are a good source of the essential
nutrient potassium, which helps promote healthy function
of the cells and nerves.
- Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated
fat, which helps lower cholesterol levels, and contains
antioxidants and phytonutrients that work together
to reduce oxidant stress and prevent disease.
During the winter months, citrus fruits are in season
and taste better than at any time of the year, so stock
on oranges, grapefruit, and, of course, chicken soup,
and you’ll weather the cold and flu season with
or without that coveted flu shot. Nature gives us a great
back-up plan, and it’s a delicious plan too, so
stick with it.
Sources: Nutritional facts courtesy of www.aboutproduce.com and the Florida Department of Citrus.
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