So it's December and snow has blanketed the city. Summer clothing has been packed away and we’re bracing ourselves for the long cold winter ahead. More often than not, we forget to take into consideration the TLC our bodies needs. I'm referring to the super foods that will boost your immunity and offer additional protection against the common cold and funky flu.

Citrus fruits

Lemon and lime are staples in keeping your immune system in tip-top shape during the winter months. Lemon in itself has a bunch of health benefits. They contain vitamin - C, antioxidants, help in weight loss and boost your mood and energy. Not to mention, it helps in digestion and detox of your skin. Oranges lower the risk of diseases and cholesterol, promote good eyesight and regulate blood pressure. So be sure to include them into your winter diet. *As an added bonus, clementines are in season around the end of November and early December.

Ginger

This root has been the “go to” healer during my entire childhood and now well into my adult life. Ginger is a “one-stop shop” when it comes to nausea, stomach pain and muscle ache relief. Ginger contains a property called Gingerole that has significant antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties. Ginger is something that should be regularly incorporated into your diet. Ginger also helps speed up the healing process, if you do succumb to a cold or flu.

Boiling it and drinking it as a tea or adding a few drops to a glass of water or beverage will do the trick.

Avocado

Most recently, avocados have been the new kid on the block... that no one ever really noticed. Avocados have surged in popularity to the top of the health totem pole. With a rise in popularity of avocado bread, it has always been a long time crowd pleaser. Now for the technicalities. Avocados are low in saturated fat but high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. It also contains loads of fiber to help keep you regular and maintain healthy intestinal gut bacteria. Added bonus, they also help in weight loss and absorption of other nutrients found in leafy greens.

Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens have a amalgamation of all the nutrients that have been listed above. So the next time you're turning your nose up or squishing up your face to brussels sprouts, broccoli or kale, just remember they sit amongst the greats for overall health. They aide in the preservation of vision, they lower cholesterol, provide energy to your body by converting B-vitamins to glucose and filled with calcium that helps maintain strong bones. Kale is also said to help prevent cancer.

Garlic

Last but not least, is garlic. This delicious ingredient not only doubles as a preventative and remedy food, not to mention a delicious seasoning. Most if not all home made cold and flu remedies contain garlic in some shape or form. Finally, it helps in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Mel is an occasional grill-totin', lifestyle writer. She scouts movers, doers and everything in between.
Instagram