Reach for Elderberries
Modern Day Folk Medicine
Elderberrry is a shrub that has been used medicinally for centuries. Sambucus nigra, or black elderberry bush, is the version most commonly used to make syrup and lozenges. Extracts of elderberry have antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Elderberry is also high in flavonoids. People take elderberry syrup as a remedy for colds, flus, and bacterial sinus infections. The plant medicine works by reducing swelling in mucus membranes. Some studies suggest elderberry extract reduces the duration of the flu. If it works for flu infections, it may help your immune system against coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Elderberry Interactions
Elderberry benefits are numerous, however, the remedy may interact with certain prescription medications. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to adding any new remedy to your regimen. Elderberry may interact with the following medications.
- Diurectics: Elderberry is a diuretic so taking it with a prescription diuretic will increase the effects.
- Laxatives: Elderberry has laxative effects, so it should not be taking with other laxative mediations.
- Steroids: Elderberry stimulates the immune system so it should not be taken with steroids and other medications designed to suppress the immune system. People who are on immunosuppressive drugs after having undergone organ transplantation should not take elderberry.
- Chemotherapy: Elderberry may interfere with chemotherapy and should not be taken with it.
- Diabetes medications: Elderberry lowers blood sugar so it should not be taken with medications that treat diabetes.
- Theophylline: Elderberry may reduce blood levels of this medication prescribed to treat asthma and respiratory conditions.
Have More Mushrooms
Immune System Boosters
Wondering how to boost your immune system? Eat more button mushrooms. Mushrooms are high in selenium and B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin. These minerals and vitamins are necessary for the immune system to work in tip top form. Mushrooms are also high in polysaccharides, sugar-like molecules that boost immune function.
Flavorful Fungus
Mushrooms have a savory quality that can enhance the flavor of many dishes. Not quite sure how to eat mushrooms? Try the following mouth-watering ways to serve up these tasty fungi.
- Sautéing, grilling, and roasting will help bring out the rich, savory flavor of mushrooms.
- Mushrooms make a great addition to scrambled eggs and omelets.
- Toss sliced mushrooms into soups, salads, or lasagna.
- Enjoy Portobello mushroom tops in veggie burgers.
- Stuffed mushrooms make tasty hors d’oeuvres.
Acai Berry Benefits
Antioxidant-Rich Berry
Acai berry is a black-purple fruit that is derived from the acai palm tree in Brazil, Trinidad, and certain parts of South America. The fruit is high in anthocyanins. These flavonoid molecules are very potent antioxidants. They combat oxidative stress in the body by mopping up free radicals. Antioxidants are credited with boosting immunity and lowering inflammation in the body. There’s never been a better time to enjoy an acai bowl!
Immune-Boosting Fruit
Acai berry is such a potent antioxidant and stimulator of the immune system, researchers are studying it as a potential treatment for all kinds of conditions. Areas of study include acai use in people with
- increasing prostate specific antigen (PSA);
- cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome;
- lower rectum cancer;
- constipation, and
- Other potential for studies could include other conditions (for example, yeast infections, Flu, COVID-19).
Oysters on the Menu
Seafood Superfood
Oysters are a nutritional powerhouse from the sea. One 3-ounce serving of Pacific oysters provides 190% of the daily value of selenium, 45% of the daily value of iron, and 20% of the daily value of vitamin C, all for just 140 calories. One 3-ounce serving of oysters contains 16 grams of high-quality protein. The seafood also provides zinc and vitamin A. These vitamins and minerals in oysters are critical for proper immune function.
Ways to Eat Oysters
Most people are familiar with raw oysters served in the half shell, but there are many other ways to eat oysters. These include
- oysters Rockefeller,
- oyster stew,
- oyster stuffing,
- scalloped oysters, and
- grilled oysters.
Pumped About Watermelon
Watermelon Nutrition
Watermelon is an immune-boosting fruit. One 2-cup serving of watermelon has 270 mg of potassium, 30% of the daily value of vitamin A, and 25% of the value of vitamin C. Calories in watermelon aren’t much at all. One 2-cup serving of watermelon has just 80 calories. Watermelon also provides vitamin B6 and glutathione. The body needs these vitamins, nutrients, and compounds like glutathione for proper immune function.
5 Ways to Eat Watermelon
Watermelon slices are the most common way to enjoy this fruit. Here are a few creative ways to eat watermelon.
- Make a fruit salad with watermelon and top it with a lemon, honey, and mint dressing.
- Have a tall glass of watermelon strawberry lemonade.
- Snack on arugula watermelon salad topped with feta cheese.
- Enjoy frozen watermelon sorbet.
- Cool off with watermelon, ginger, lime pops.
Try Some Wheat Germ
Wheat Germ Nutrition
Wheat germ is the innermost part of the wheat kernel. It is the most nutrient rich part of the grain. The germ is rich in B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin E. Sprinkle wheat germ on top of yogurt or cereal or add it to a shake. Wheat germ makes an easy addition to bump up the nutrition in baked goods. Substitute wheat germ for a bit of white flour in recipes to get some extra vitamins and minerals.
What Do You Do with Wheat Germ?
Most people know wheat germ makes a tasty topping sprinkled on fruit, yogurt, or cereal, but what else can you do with it? Wheat germ is a versatile food that can be used in a variety of recipes.
- Combine wheat germ, herbs, and spices to make a breaded coating for baked chicken and fish.
- Use wheat germ instead of breadcrumbs in meatloaf and meatballs.
- Sprinkle wheat germ on top of baked apple crumble and similar desserts.
Reasons to Like Low-Fat Yogurt
Dairy Health Food
Nutrition guidelines recommend adults consume 3 servings of dairy products per day. Low-fat yogurt provides 11 grams of protein, 250 calories, and almost 400 mg of calcium per 8-ounce serving. Low-fat yogurt can also help meet your daily requirement for vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Adequate levels of vitamin D and other nutrients are necessary for robust immune function. Yogurt is rich in probiotics, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidus. These strains boost immune function and may even help reduce both the length and severity of colds. Beneficial gut flora are needed for proper digestion, detoxification, and immune function. Probiotics even help reduce eczema symptoms in babies.
5 Ways to Eat Yogurt
Most people eat yogurt straight out of the cup, but there are many other ways to enjoy this immune-boosting food.
- Mix yogurt, fruit juice, and a bit of honey. Pour into molds and freeze to make yogurt pops.
- Enjoy cucumber salad with yogurt dill dressing.
- Make coleslaw with yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Serve fish topped with minted yogurt sauce.
- Use yogurt in creamy soup recipes to give them a tart kick.
Super Spinach
Leafy Green Superfood
Spinach gets top billing as a superfood thanks to its high content of folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, magnesium, and iron. The nutrients in spinach boost immune function and provide the body with necessary nutrients for cell division and DNA repair. Reap maximum benefits from spinach by eating it raw or lightly cooked to preserve nutrients.
Think Beyond Spinach Salad
Most people are familiar with spinach salad, but how else can you prepare spinach? Surprisingly, there are a lot of ways to enjoy this nutritious, leafy green veggie including
- spinach-artichoke dip,
- creamed spinach,
- spinach lasagna,
- garlic sautéed spinach, and
- spinach and cheese stuffed pasta shells.
Tea Time
A Cup of Immunity
About half the population in the United States drinks tea regularly. Antioxidants in tea called polyphenols and flavonoids are credited with boosting immune function. These compounds may also reduce the risk of heart disease. Drinking green tea favorably affects blood lipids, increasing good HDL cholesterol and decreasing LDL bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
Beyond the Tea Cup
Tea is not just confined to be enjoyed by the cup. Amazingly, you can use teas in many of your favorite recipes. Think outside the cup!
- Add powdered tea to softened butter to make a savory spread.
- Cook grains and noodles in tea instead of stock.
- Use powdered tea as a rub to infuse meats with unexpected flavor.
- Make tea infused dairy to use in cream sauces for pasta and rice dishes.
- Add powdered tea to shortbread dough to make tea cookies.
Say Yes to Sweet Potatoes
Orange Spuds Are Better
One medium sweet potato packs a whopping 120% of the daily value of vitamin A and 30% of the daily value of vitamin C, all for just 100 calories. These vitamins are crucial for immune function and great for your skin. Sweet potatoes are a cholesterol-free and fat-free food, so you get all the helpful, immune-boosting vitamins without the guilt. Sweet potatoes serve up a healthy portion of fiber, too.
Sweet Potato Recipes to Savor
The deep, rich color of sweet potatoes reflects the high vitamin A content. These bright, orange root veggies can be whipped up in a variety of ways. Try these sweet potato dishes on for size.
- savory sweet potato fries
- sweet potato casserole
- twice baked sweet potatoes
- sweet potato pie
- sweet potato beet chips
Source -medicinenet
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