As the adage goes, “you are what you eat“. And when it comes to boosting your body’s immune system, this is especially true. A healthy diet can help to strengthen your body’s natural defences against illness and disease, and luckily for Australians, there are plenty of delicious foods to choose from that can help with this.
Here are some of the best Aussie foods for boosting your immune system, along with some tips for incorporating them into your diet:
Known as the world’s richest source of vitamin C, Kakadu Plum is a native Australian fruit that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. With up to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges, it’s a potent antioxidant that can help to boost your immune system and fight off infections
How to incorporate it into your diet: Kakadu Plum can be found in some specialty stores and health food stores, or you can purchase it online. It can be eaten fresh, or used in a variety of recipes including jams, sauces, and smoothies.
Local Aussie honey is renowned for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its high levels of enzymes, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds. It’s also a natural source of energy and can help to soothe a sore throat.
How to incorporate it into your diet: Add honey to your morning cup of tea or coffee, drizzle it over your toast, or use it as a natural sweetener in your baking. Using raw, unfiltered honey will give you maximum health benefits.
Blueberries are a popular and widely available superfood that can help to boost your immune system. They’re high in antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the body.
How to incorporate it into your diet: Add blueberries to your morning smoothie, sprinkle them over your breakfast cereal, include them in baking or enjoy them as a healthy snack throughout the day.
Garlic is known for its powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for boosting your immune system. It’s also high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and selenium.
How to incorporate it into your diet: Add garlic to your meals as a natural flavour enhancer, or alternatively it is available as a supplement for those that aren’t a fan of the taste.
Australia is home to a wide variety of unique and flavourful native bushfoods, many of which have immune-boosting properties. Some of the most popular include Lemon Myrtle, Aniseed Myrtle, and Wattleseed.
How to incorporate them into your diet: Use native bushfoods in your cooking to add flavour and nutrition to your meals. Try sprinkling Wattleseed over your morning oats, adding Lemon Myrtle to your chicken or protein marinade, or using Aniseed Myrtle in your baking.
Incorporating these immune-boosting foods into your diet is a simple and effective way to improve your overall health and well-being. By choosing nutrient-rich, whole foods and trying to stay away from processed foods and sugary drinks, you’ll give your body the tools it needs to fight off illness and disease.
But remember, a healthy diet is just one part of the equation when it comes to staying healthy. Be sure to also get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and practice good hygiene to keep your immune system strong and your body functioning at its best.
So next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to stock up on some of these delicious and nutritious Australian foods – your immune system will thank you!
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