We all know that good nutrition plays a vital role in health and wellness, and that includes your immune system.  According to researchers at Harvard University’s School of Public Health, people who have varied diets which include lots of whole, unprocessed foods tend to have a more robust immune system than those people whose diets consist primarily of highly processed foods.  So how can you ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need to stay well?

While no one food alone can protect against disease, certain nutrients can boost your immune system. Vitamin C, Vitamin A, B-6, Folate, and Copper, to name a few, have all been found to be essential to a healthy immune system. And it is important to note that taking nutritional supplements is not a substitute for a good diet. No supplement contains all of the benefits provided by foods. So to ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients you need to stay well, it is important to choose a diet that includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

At this time of year, with the bounty of fall flavors, it is easy to load up on these and other essential nutrients. For great sources of Vitamin C, don’t just stop at citrus fruits. Add fall favorites broccoli and brussels sprouts as well. And who doesn’t love the great sources of Vitamin A that are sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots? For great sources of Copper, include hearty potatoes, earthy mushrooms, delicate tofu, and delectable figs. You can’t go wrong with asparagus and black-eyed peas for great sources of Folate. Pritikin Foods is a great fabulous way to enjoy delicious, convenient, and nutrient-rich meals!

For more information, go to:
https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/preventing-illness/support-your-health-with-nutrition
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-immunity/

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This post was originally written by Christina Lewis RD, a former Account Management employee.