9 Superfoods That Might Improve Your Health

Marta Ribeiro avatar

by Marta Ribeiro |

Share this article:

Share article via email

With winter just around the corner, it’s time we all started to look after ourselves a little more. Avoiding germs is one thing, but we can also try and boost our immune systems by getting plenty of sleep and eating the right foods. Here are nine foods well-known for their immunity-boosting qualities according to prevention.com.

shutterstock_345356885

1. Yogurt

Providing you can eat dairy without any side effects, the natural probiotics found in yogurt are great for keeping the gastrointestinal tract healthy and in order. Opt for ones without added sugar or sweeteners if possible.

Meet the amazing Gregory Chandler and feel inspired by his Parkinson’s story.

shutterstock_110187893

2. Oats and Barley

Adding oats to your diet in the winter is easy, you can start your day with a hot bowl of oatmeal and you can switch barley for rice with your evening meal. Both of these grains are gentle on the stomach and are high in antioxidants–important for fighting off those winter bugs.

Learn some seated exercises for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

shutterstock_145996466

3. Beef

Beef is full of zinc, which many of us are low in over the winter months. Zinc helps to form healthy white blood cells which are important in the fight against winter illnesses. To get the most out of beef aim for organic, grass-fed beef.

Did you know that drinking red wine polyphenols may actually help combat Parkinson’s disease.

shutterstock_282081980

4. Garlic

For optimum garlic power, you should eat two cloves of raw garlic a day. However, if this sounds unpalatable then you can either take garlic capsules or use lots of garlic in your cooking. The allicin in garlic is great for helping to fight off colds and flu.

Did you know that there’s an eye test that can help detect Parkinson’s before first symptoms show up?

shutterstock_177108227

5. Sweet Potatoes

Full of beta-carotene which is great for your skin, sweet potatoes make a healthier alternative to regular potatoes and are much lower on the GI scale.

Meet some of the faces behind Parkinson’s, alongside the ambassador of the disease, Michael J. Fox.

shutterstock_124006672

6. Oily Fish and Shellfish

Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and herrings are great sources of omega-3 which can help protect lungs from infections. The selenium found in shellfish such as prawns, oysters and mussels increases the amount of cytokines in the white blood cells which helps to fight off winter ailments.

 Did you know that Parkinson’s disease patients may benefit from dancing?

shutterstock_282081980

7. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are also good for keeping our white blood cells healthy, and they are a great source of vitamin D–which is in short supply in the winter months. Add some to your favorite dishes for the immune boost.

Read more on how nasal spray is seen as an effective way to deliver glutathione and works as a Parkinson’s therapy.

shutterstock_327254051

8. Chicken Soup

The go-to meal when you’re feeling under the weather, research shows that we should be eating chicken soup as a preventative dish as well as a restorative one. The salty brine helps to thin mucus, and the onions and vegetables added to the soup also provide bug-fighting nutrients.

Read more on how gut immune response is seen to protect dopamine neurons that die due to Parkinson’s disease.

shutterstock_217720432

9. Tea

Black and green tea both contain lots of cold-busting antioxidants, even the decaffeinated varieties. Add lemon and honey instead of milk and sugar for a blast of vitamin C and antibacterial goodness.

Tea may help prevent flus and colds, but did you know that drinking coffee can lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and more?

Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.