Boost Your Immune System Naturally with These Texan Produce
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Texas has always been known for having big, hearty eaters. The stereotype of the Texans with their love for meat is well known throughout the United States. While it may be true to some extent, Texans are also quite health conscious, with many families in the state growing their own produce.
This week, we'll be exploring some of the immune-boosting properties of Texan produce. These fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that help keep your immune system functioning at its best. So head to the market, stock up on Texan produce, boost your immunity, and keep those colds and the dreaded flu at bay!
Immunity-Boosting Texas Produce
With the current pandemic, boosting your immune system is more important than ever. And while there's no one size fits all solution, there are excellent local produce that can help give your immune system a boost. From oranges to spinach, these Texas-grown foods are packed with nutrients that can help keep your immune system running smoothly:
Grapefruit, Oranges, and Other Citrus
Beets (how long do beets last?)
Fava Beans (how long do fava beans last?)
Berries
Harvest season: May through July
Benefits:
Berries found in Texas are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can help fight off infection.
They have even been associated with being beneficial for cardiovascular health.
In addition, berries like strawberries can be a great source of fiber, which is essential for gut health.
Grapefruit, Oranges, and Other Citrus Fruits
Harvest season: October through April
Benefits:
Grapefruit, oranges, and other citrus fruits are among the many delicious, immune-boosting produce grown here in Texas.
These fruits are rich in Vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. Vitamin C helps fight off infection and can also help reduce the severity of cold symptoms.
Citrus fruits are also a good source of soluble fiber, and flavonoids may lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising healthy HDL cholesterol.
In addition, citrus fruits may lower high blood pressure, another risk factor for heart disease.
Pomegranates
Harvest season: October into December
Benefits:
Pomegranates have an array of antioxidant compounds which help protect your cells from free radical damage.
In recent years, pomegranate juice has become famous for boosting the immune system by preventing chronic inflammation in the body.
Pomegranate juice also has been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are the body's first line of defense against infection.
Pomegranates contain compounds that help protect brain health, which has been studied for their ability to reduce inflammation in the brain and delay certain cognitive diseases.
They grow very well on the alkaline soils of South Texas and the slightly acidic soils in East Texas.
Beets
Harvest season: November through January
Benefits:
Beets are one of the many vegetables that are found in Texas. They are a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Recent research shows they may also have several vital nutrients, including folate, manganese, and copper.
Some studies have shown that adults who consumed beetroot powder daily for four weeks experienced an increase in white blood cells, which play a crucial role in guarding against infection. The participants also had higher interferon levels, a protein that helps the body fight viruses.
Beets contain high levels of nitrates, which can help lower blood pressure levels. This helps prevent the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Beets are also a good source of fiber, which can benefit digestive health and reduce the risk of most chronic health conditions.
Fava Beans
Harvest season: April through June
Benefits:
Texas fava beans are a nutrient-rich food that can have a variety of health benefits. One of the main ways they boost your immune system is by providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function correctly.
Fava beans are an excellent source of iron, essential for carrying oxygen to your cells and maintaining a healthy energy level.
Fava beans contain generous amounts of L-dopa, which your body converts to dopamine.
In addition, fava beans are a good source of folate, which promotes proper brain and spinal cord development for infants. Consistent folate intake in pregnant women helps prevent neural tube defects.
Fava beans may also increase blood iron levels, which improves symptoms of anemia that result from inadequate iron intake.
Including Texas fava beans in your diet can help keep your immune system strong and protect yourself against illness.
Pumpkins
Harvest season: October into Spring
Benefits:
One of the best things about autumn in Texas is the abundance of pumpkins. Fresh pumpkins are not only perfect for carving jack-o-lanterns, but they also offer a host of health benefits.
Pumpkin is a good source of beta carotene, which converts into vitamin A. This helps the body fight infections.
Beta carotene is also great for the eyes. They help keep your vision sharp.
Vitamin C is also found in pumpkins which is essential for boosting immunity.
Potassium in beta carotene helps reduce high blood pressure levels.
In addition, pumpkin seeds (how long do pumpkin seeds last?) are a rich source of zinc, another nutrient essential for a strong immune system.
So if you're looking for a way to stay healthy this fall, reach for a pumpkin from your local Texas farm. Your body will thank you for it!
Winter Squash
Harvest season: October into Spring
Benefits:
Winter squash is a hearty, nutrient-rich food that provides a healthy amount of alpha-carotene and beta carotene, which converts to Vitamin A.
Not only does it taste great, but it can also help to boost your immune system.
In addition, winter squash is a good source of fiber, which helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly.
Just one cup of winter squash provides almost 20 percent of your recommended fiber intake.
Winter squash contains polysaccharides that help in regulating blood sugar levels.
Carrots
Harvest season: All year round
Benefits:
Texas is known for its hot weather. And while that may be great for swimming and sunbathing, it can take a toll on your immune system. Luckily, carrots are available all year round. Carrots contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage.
Carrots contain a healthy amount of Vitamin A, which helps to give healthy glowing skin and prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, and blemishes.
Betacarotene also lowers diabetes risk and strengthens your bones.
Carrots have high amounts of carotenoids associated with lower heart disease risk.
Carrots are high in fiber, which can help keep blood sugar levels under control.
The State of Texas is simply buzzing with farmers' markets, which sell local produce such as vegetables, fruits, and meat products from nearby farms and ranches. You can read all about it here.
Can We Boost Immunity?
Our immune system is our body's defense against infection and disease. It is made up of a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect us from foreign invaders. When our immune system functions properly, it can identify and destroy these invaders before they cause harm. However, sometimes our immune system needs a little help. You can always start with a few lifestyle changes to build a more robust immune system.
Avoid Stress as Much as Possible
It's no secret that stress can have a negative impact on our health. When we're stressed, our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode, releasing hormones that can raise our blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, anxiety, and depression.
Stress can also take a toll on our immune system, making us more susceptible to colds and other infections. That's why it's important to try to avoid stress as much as possible. Exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones are all great ways to keep stress levels in check. And if you do find yourself feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out for help from a mental health professional.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
When it comes to staying healthy, few things are as important as staying hydrated. Dehydration can take a toll on the body in a number of ways, including reducing energy levels, causing headaches, and making it difficult to concentrate. In addition, dehydration can also weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.
For these reasons, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids, especially when the weather is hot or when you are exercising. Water is the best option for most people, but some might also need to drink sports drinks or other fluids if they are sweating heavily. No matter what type of fluid you choose, make sure to drink enough to stay properly hydrated throughout the day.
What Builds a Strong Immune System?
It seems like every other week, there's a new cold virus making the rounds. Colds are one of the most common infections and can be tough to shake. If you're feeling under the weather all the time, your immune system might be to blame. A weakened immune system can make you susceptible to all sorts of illnesses.
What builds a strong immune system? Or, more importantly, what can you do to help boost your immune system and keep yourself healthy during the colder months? While no one answer fits everyone, there are a few key things that you can do to help keep your immune system functioning at its best.
Your immune system is one of the most important things to keep strong. You can do many things to support your immune system and help it stay healthy. Check out these tips below and see which ones work best for you!
Eat a balanced diet
Get enough exercise
Get enough sleep
Supplements
Eat a Balanced Diet
As with most things regarding health and our bodies, having a healthy diet is key to a strong immune system. A balanced diet is essential for good health. Not only does it provide the nutrients our bodies need to function correctly, but it also helps to boost our immunity. As a result, we can better fight off infection and disease when our immune system is strong. There are several ways to improve our diet and boost our immunity.
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, including plenty of dark leafy greens, is a great way to get the nutrients we need.
Including fermented foods in our diets, such as yogurt or sauerkraut, can also help to improve our gut health and boost our immunity.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial for our overall health and immune system.
By following these simple tips, we can help ensure that we get the nutrients we need to maintain a strong immune system.
Check out our Real Food Promptuary for Texas Vegetables which features local production and availability, fun trivia, nutritional information, buying guides, preparation ideas, and more!
Get Enough Exercise
Getting enough exercise is essential for boosting immunity and overall health. Numerous studies have shown that physically active people are less likely to get sick than those who are sedentary. Here's why:
Exercise helps improve the immune system's function by increasing the production of infection-fighting cells and antibodies.
It also helps to reduce stress levels, which can have a negative impact on the immune system.
Furthermore, exercise helps to flush out bacteria from the lungs and airway, reducing the risk of respiratory infections.
For these reasons, it is essential to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day to boost immunity and protect against illness.
Get Enough Sleep
Most people know that getting a good night's sleep is essential for overall health. Still, few realize that sleep is also critical for immunity. Let's discuss why:
When we sleep, our bodies have a chance to rest and repair, which helps to keep us strong and healthy.
Studies have shown that people who get enough sleep are less likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus.
In fact, one study found that people who slept less than seven hours a night were three times more likely to develop a cold than those who slept eight hours or more.
So if you're looking for ways to boost your immunity, get plenty of rest. Your body will thank you for it.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that can be found in fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut or in supplements. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes diseases. However, your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Here's why probiotics fall under the "good bacteria" category:
Probiotics help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which is essential for digestive health and immunity.
Several studies have shown that probiotics can help to boost immunity, especially in children. In one study, children who took a probiotic supplement had fewer sick days than those who didn't.
Other studies have shown that probiotics can help to reduce the severity and duration of upper respiratory infections like the common cold.
Probiotic supplements typically contain a higher concentration of live bacteria than food sources, making them more potent. However, choosing a high-quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer is important. In addition, it is important to note that probiotics are generally safe for most people. Still, those with underlying medical conditions should speak to a doctor before taking them.
As part of the Texas Mom Blog, this article discusses the writer's views on the benefits of a probiotic-rich diet for children.
Supplements
There are a variety of supplements available on the market today that claim to boost the immune system. But what are these supplements, and how do they work? The most common supplements include vitamins C and D, zinc, and elderberry.
Vitamin C is a well-known immune booster, and it can be found in many foods as well as supplements.
Vitamin D helps the body to produce more white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infection.
Zinc is an essential mineral in many aspects of the immune response, including wound healing and the production of white blood cells.
Elderberry is another popular choice for boosting immunity; it is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to fight off viral infections.
Other supplements that can help boost immunity include selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.
These nutrients are known for boosting the immune system, making them ideal for times when you're feeling run down or are more susceptible to illness. However, it's important to talk to a doctor before starting any supplement regimen, as too much of certain nutrients can be harmful. With the right approach, though, supplements can be a great way to support your immune system and promote overall health.
Smoothies have evolved from refreshing drinks to health supplements, meal replacements, and diet aids. Read all about it here.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of yourself is top priority, especially with the covid-19 virus and the lingering flu season. So, what can you do to boost your immune system naturally? First, eat plenty of Texas produce! From berries and citrus fruits to carrots and beets, these healthy foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep your immune system functioning at its best. With all of these delicious and nutritious options available to us here in Texas, there's no excuse not to eat healthily and boost your immune system simultaneously!
Plus, don't forget to eat a balanced diet, get enough exercise, and get enough sleep! Following these tips can give your immune system the best chance at staying strong and keeping you healthy.
With over 800 entries, our comprehensive Texas Real Food Promptuary helps you understand your food better. You'll learn how sustainable each food is, what to look for when shopping for it, and even tips on how to cook it.
