Plant-Based Power For A Healthy Immune System

In these uncertain times, we may find it harder to stay on top of our routines. Making sure to eat fruits and vegetables every day is very important to maintain a healthy immune system in the wake of Corona. At the moment, it feels as though Coronavirus is controlling many aspects of our lives thanks to quarantine measures set in place to protect society at large. If you're like me, you've also been tasked with getting more familiar with your home office and learning how to conduct video conferences, join virtual meetings, and other remote worker tasks. Although these can be significant changes for some of us, we now have additional time to get familiar with trying new things and perhaps also start spending more time in our kitchens.    With your kitchen so close by, you have more time to experiment with recipes rather than sticking with your usual plant-based meal prep. Recharging your plant power by taking in healthy vegan meals can be a step in the right direction and can even allow you to slow down from the usual hustle and bustle. In this blog article, we want to show you which plant-based power foods can help boost your immune system. If you're someone who is still having a hard time cooking at home and live in the greater Vancouver area, check out our delicious 100% Plant-Based Meals, created by the Executive Chefs at Modern Meat. Meals are delivered straight to your doorstep with care in each delivery.  

What Does Your Body Need To Fight Off Illness?

No one person is immune to disease no matter what their diet is like! Viruses have existed for millennia and continue to wreak havoc over the centuries. However, a healthy body with a reliable defensive system can cope with infection more quickly than others. To be appropriately armed, you can provide your body with wholesome food all year round. In everyday life, this means consuming as much fresh food as possible and making sure to include some raw fruits and vegetables. Your diet should be balanced and varied. The more colorful the mix of fruit and vegetables, the better! Vegetables, even more than fruits, contain a relatively high micronutrient density with a relatively low energy density. This offers you an excellent opportunity to consume a lot of it without overloading your calorie account while filling up on unique minerals, trace elements, and vitamins. It's also essential to take in plenty of phytochemicals. All metabolic processes require catalysts in the form of micronutrients that act as helpers, "door openers" and "drivers" for cellular processes. The more of it you have, the easier it is for your cell metabolism to kick in. In times like a flu wave, in which more immune cells have to be trained than usual, the need for micronutrients also increases. Fortunately, those who eat large amounts of food rich in nutrients every day can recharge their used reserves and keep their immune system up to date and working hard.  

Essential vitamins

Vitamin C, part of the B-vitamin complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, and vitamin K is found in abundance in vegetables, leafy greens, and fruit. During this time, you should think about taking vitamin D supplements alongside trying to take at least 1 hour a day to be in the sun.   

Minerals and trace elements

A large part of essential minerals and trace elements for the body's defense system can be absorbed through the targeted consumption of vegetables. Whole-grain cereals, legumes, nuts, and seeds should also be on the menu to eat a wholesome and balanced diet.  

Fruits To Add To Your Daily Menu

Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are also now in season, making it the perfect addition to your daily menu. You may think that vitamin C is the most critical part of the citrus to take in. However, there's a lot of significant secondary plant substances in the rind and pulp. Give yourself an immunity boost with a blended smoothie made from organic lemon and orange and make a trendy smoothie bowl. The addition of fresh turmeric root, ginger root, and granola is just perfect.  

An Apple A Day

The well-known "apple a day" phrase should make its way to your daily routine and add to your menu. Apples provide many valuable nutrients while also caring for your gut health through the aid of apple pectin. The better your gut health is, the better your immune system performs. Many if your bodies defenses first begin to mobilize and form in the gut, making it an essential part of your body to keep in tip-top shape.  

Bananas: Just Before They Ripen

Another great way to keep our gut's intestinal bacteria healthy and to thrive, try to eat bananas that are yellow but not fully ripe yet. The reason for this is that these bananas can supply a starch that helps the mucous membranes in our gut nourished. When buying bananas, please pay attention to the origin and trading conditions that surround the brand. Organic and fair trade is the best choice when it comes to bananas.  

Fresh and Frozen Berry Power

Frozen berries in a warm porridge or a smoothie bowl in the morning are another ideal way to get valuable antioxidants and vitamin A. Ideally, you should go for fresh berries or buy them frozen so that no added sugars are mixed in.  

Seasonal Veggies For An Added Strength Boost

When winter ends, and meadows and fields begin to awaken with the coming of spring, many root veggies alongside young leafy vegetables are available for your perfect seasonal menu. These root vegetables are rich in vitamin C and vitamin K. Leafy greens like baby spinach, kale, and dandelion greens can also provide you with a significant number of nutrients alongside other herbs for a flavorful side dish. Roots like beetroot provide iron and vitamin A, which is converted to carotenoids, which act as an antioxidant for the body. Colorful carrots and pumpkins are also known for being a great source of Vitamin A. Artichokes, parsnips, and parsley roots contain many minerals and a special starch compound - namely inulin - which also promotes a healthy intestine. Lentils or creamy beetroot soup with young sprouts and fried tofu will make your stomach jump for joy with how delicious it is alongside the immune system boost you'll get. Or how about pickled lactic acid vegetables or kimchi? If you've ever been curious about trying to make your kimchi or pickled veggies, take the extra time in your day to experiment in the kitchen with our simple recipe! Check out our blog articles on how to make your home-made tofu and kimchi – it is worth it!  

Immune System and Gut Health Go Hand in Hand.

If you eat a wholesome, colorful, and healthy diet, you have the ideal conditions to take on pathogens head-on. Always take the proper precautions alongside healthy eating, though. Sometimes other factors can weaken your immune system and make you susceptible to a cold or a virus. Just remember that with a varied plant-based diet, your body has a great foundation to begin recovery if you do end up getting sick. Healthy plant-based meals will set you up to get you back up and running thanks to the extra supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed for recovery. With that in mind, stay healthy and enjoy your extra time at home with a delicious and colorful plant-based diet.