Author: Uncle Tobys Nutrition Ambassador, Kathleen Alleaume
How can we best support our immune system?
These days, immune health is at the forefront of everyone's minds And while there are many components to optimal immune health, such as getting enough sleep and keeping physically active; eating a nutrient-rich diet also plays a key role.
Here are five of my favourite immune-supporting brekkie ingredients:
Tip 1
Whole grains
Starting your day with a breakfast high in whole grains gives you a healthy dose of dietary fibre to help support a healthy digestive system. An easy way to get a boost of whole grains in your diet is starting your day with a bowl of delicious UNCLE TOBYS PLUS Immune Support, with added vitamins C, D, B6 and zinc to help support your immune system, as part of a healthy varied diet.
Tip 2
Berries
Just 150g serve (1 punnet) offers more than the recommended daily intake for vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Top on yoghurt or toss a punnet in your bag for a nutrient-rich snack on-the-go.
Tip 3
Bananas
Just one banana dishes up natural carbohydrates and provides 15% of your daily B6 needs to support immune function - making them a great pick-me-up any time of the day. For a healthy, great-tasting breakfast, simply slice a banana on your morning whole grain bread.
Tip 4
Mushrooms
1 in 4 Aussies are vitamin D deficient. While getting enough sunlight is important, sun exposed mushrooms are an essential food able to help meet daily vitamin D levels to support a healthy immune system function. For nourishing savoury breakfast option, enjoy a sauteed mushrooms with cooked spinach and roasted tomato.
Tip 5
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are loaded with different kinds of nutrients including zinc, which the body needs to support immune health. Just a 30g serve will give you 20% of your daily zinc needs* Sprinkle on wholegrain cereal or yoghurt for an added nutrients boost. Top wholegrain toast with smashed avocado and sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.
*RDI for men is 14 mg per day mg. Women require 8 mg. Average intake is 11mg/day.
30g pumpkin seeds = 2.25mg (20% of daily needs)
©Mintel (2021) Future of Nutrition, Health and Wellness report.