This is an extract from The Detox Kitchen Bible, by Lily Simpson and Rob Hobson.
Vitamin C is a common immunity booster used by all, but zinc is equally as essential. Zinc is used by the body in a variety of ways, but most importantly during the winter as it is used to make infection fighting white blood cells. A few foods that include high levels of zinc are oysters (contain more zinc per serving than any other food) and red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains and certain seafood types (such as crab and lobster)
The Best Foods To Eat This Winter
During the Winter, blueberries and salmon are two favourite brain foods. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and are an excellent for improved cognitive function in the brain. Salmon contain omega 3 essential fatty acids which are important for a healthy functioning brain and also contain anti-inflammatory properties which can aid join function. If you aren’t able to have 2-3 servings per week, health experts recommend taking 2-4 omega 3 tablets daily.
Raw cacao is excellent especially during Winter months as it guards against toxins: as an antioxidant cacao can repair the damage caused by free radicals and is also high in resveratrol, a strong antioxidant known for its ability to cross your blood-brain barrier to protect your nervous system. Additionally, raw cacao helps reduce insulin resistance.
During Winter it is much easier to stay indoors, become less active and crave unhealthy foods. It’s important to include food fats in your diet to maintain your waistline. Good fats can be found in foods such as nuts, seeds, oils, meat, fish, seafood and avocados.
Good fats prevent you from overeating by telling your brain when to stop – you literally cannot binge on good fat because it fills you up so much. Have half an avocado on its own as a snack or with oatcakes for a delicious, filling, stress-busting breakfast. Always have some fat with each meal and snack – if you have some grapes, have a handful of almonds, as fat slows the rate at which sugar hits your bloodstream, keeping your hunger and cravings at bay and leaving you full and energized.
Main image courtesy of The Detox Kitchen Bible, by Lily Simpson and Rob Hobson, published by Bloomsbury, $49.99.
