The cacao bean is the source of perhaps the most magical and beloved foods on Earth because it is the source of chocolate. Even the cacao tree's official name, Theobroma cacao, recognizes the long-standing love most of us have for the fruit of this tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek language for "food of the gods." And while chocolate is the most popular and favorite of these foods from the cacao bean, an even healthier choice is raw cacao powder. How Is Cacao Powder Made? To produce raw cacao powder, raw cacao beans are simply cold pressed to remove the fat, and the remaining solids are ground into a fine powder. Cacao vs. Cocoa: What's the Difference? Cacao powder contains all the beneficial nutrients and beneficial compounds of the raw cacao bean minus the fat. In contrast, cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans. And even if they look alike, the two are different. In making cocoa powder, up to 90% of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw c
Keeping your immune system up to par is especially important during this trying time. So forget the pharmacy and head to the grocery store. Eating certain nutrient-packed foods helps keep your immune system strong, which enables your body to fight off illness. So treat yourself to these six immune-boosting foods to help you stay well all year long.
- Squeeze in More Citrus – Ever wonder why so many people turn to vitamin C after coming down with a cold? That’s because it helps build up your immune system so your body can fight off infections. So get some vitamin C in your system to protect you from getting sick altogether! Some of the best sources of this flu-fighting vitamin are citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons and limes. So, go grab some citrus to juice up your meals, along with your body’s natural defenses.
- Start Stalking Broccoli – This superfood is supercharged with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that help your body fend off disease. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, help strengthen your immune response and prevent you from getting sick. See, these veggies contain a chemical compound called glutathione, which helps increase your body’s natural ability to fight off illness and infection. To maximize broccoli’s benefits, cook very little or not at all.
- Get Cultured with Yogurt – When it comes to fighting off a cold or flu, your body is craving probiotics. These are the healthy bacteria found in yogurt that help your immune system fight off infections and germs. Research has shown that eating yogurt high in probiotics can help boost your immune response and reduce inflammation, which help your body fight off sickness. Yogurt is also full of vitamin D, which may also strengthen your natural defenses against disease.
- Warm Up to Chicken Soup –This bowlful of comfort may also be a spoonful of cure. Along with its power to protect you from illness, there’s nothing quite like it when you’re under the weather. So why may chicken soup be the best medicine? First of all, chicken is high in zinc, which is a mineral that boosts the body’s production of the white blood cells that fight infection. Next, the broth is brimming with collagen, which can help strengthen your immune system. And when the chicken cooks in the broth, it releases nutrients and amino acids that prevent the inflammation that weakens your immune system. So while chicken soup can be good for the soul, it’s may be even better for fighting off illness.
- Savor the Benefits of Garlic – Don’t turn your nose up at garlic because it’s been boosting immunity and fighting sickness for centuries. Renowned for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, research has shown that garlic stimulates the production of disease-fighting white blood cells, which help fight infections and prevent disease. To get the most bang for garlic’s bite, allow chopped garlic to sit for 15 minutes before cooking to increase its healthy compounds.
- Get Hooked on Fish – Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel are swimming with omega-3 fatty acids that increase your white blood cell activity, which helps your body fight off infections. Your immune system also gets a healthy dose of vitamin D. So when you’re trying to fight off sickness, eating fatty fish can help tip the scales in your favor.
With staying healthy and strong being so important right now, be sure to seek out these six immune-boosting eats for a better shot at staying well.
Tracey Pollack
https://www.gardenoflife.com/content/immune-boosting-foods-to-keep-stocked/
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