Goodbye, dog days—hello, chill: wintertime means a slew of new nutritional challenges, with darker days, falling temperatures, and the departure of summer produce. Still, no need to pine for your zucchini. Here are four winter picks to get your immune system kicking!—Lucy Zhou
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Sprouts until spring: Eat right to keep your immune system happy this winter. |
What to eat: Pumpkins and other winter squash
What’s in it: Vitamin A (from Beta Carotene) and Vitamin C
Why you want it: Everybody knows Vitamin C shows a cold who’s boss. But when it comes to disease defense, Beta Carotene, converted to Vitamin A by your body, is your immune system’s best ally.
What to eat: Garlic
What’s in it: Allicin (a sulfur-containing compound responsible for the smell)
Why you want it: The allicin contained in garlic has been found to deactivate viruses, bacteria, and disease-causing fungi. Anti-vampire properties are just a perk.
What to eat: Kale
What’s in it: Vitamin K
Why you want it: K doesn’t just stand for Kale: Involved in calcium formation, this vitamin is essential to proper blood and bone health, as well as fighting cancer-causing free radicals.
What to eat: Brussels sprouts
What’s in it: Folate
Why you want it: Childhood dinner trauma aside, as a source of folate, Brussels sprouts support blood cell production, and serve a crucial role in protecting nerve function.