Vitamin C and Our Immunity
Immunity is our body’s natural defence mechanism which is important in preventing viruses. 80% of your immune system is in the gut so when we put the right things in then our body can fight off infections faster and stay healthy. The body does not store vitamin C which means we need to be consuming this nutrient every day from our foods.
Some of the main health benefits of vitamin C include:
Strengthen our immune system and reduce inflammation (giving us more energy)
Powerful antioxidant that helps protect us from diseases including cancer
Helps maintain strong bones, joints, skin and digestive tract
Can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes
Important during times of stress – the adrenal glands love vitamin C!
Helps boost iron absorption (especially when paired with plant based iron rich foods)
Having a diet high in plant foods will ensure you meet the recommended daily intakes (around 90mg males, 75mg for females) so let’s look at some key sources.
Polyphenol rich plant sources:
Yellow and orange coloured fruits tend to be high in vitamin C as well as your green leafy vegetables. Remember it’s important to soak them all with some white vinegar or baking soda to help remove the chemicals and fertilizers residue.
Along with vitamin C, our immune system needs a few other key vitamins and minerals to ensure its working effectively. These include vitamin D, zinc, B12, B6, folate, iron copper and selenium.
South Stream Market’s main priority is to look after your families health and food needs, especially during this tough time. ‘Celebrate Health’ offers some tasty, organic soups (high in vitamin C and great for the immune system) and healthy sauces. Including gluten free and sugar free options.
‘Passage Foods’ offer authentic cooking sauces with natural ingredients and no added nasty’s or MSG. Created by a chef in Australia, Passage foods created high quality convenient sauces without using preservatives or additives. A great pairing option for your fresh plant produce which can be whipped up in 20mins or less!
Spice up your weekends with ‘World food by Habibi’, a Hong Kong based fine dining Middle Eastern brand offers some tasty, ready to go (restaurant quality) meals. A perfect option for the end of long week with only 20mins to prepare and are Halal certified. Spices such as Turmeric, cumin, Garam Masala, cloves, cinnamon to name a few are powerful immune boosters with anti-inflammatory effects.
Want to find out more or ask a question? Click Here to get in touch with Chrissy.
