To defend our body, the immune system must be strengthened as never before. To do this, foods that have beneficial properties and are versatile for home cooking must be included in the diet (or must be increased in their use). here they are
Hot water is discovered to emphasize that there are no miraculous foods. Maybe there were! But in normalcy, and even more so in the situation we are experiencing, there are foods that are good for and "must" enter the diet regularly like others that must be tasted from time to time (and we add, these days represent the best opportunity to indulge in some whims among the home walls). In the first case, nutritionist biologists remember that for strengthen the immune system it is essential to keep the intestine healthy, because it is the "second brain" of the body and the focal point of the immune system. In addition, the frequent use of various antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and antacids and foods facilitate intestinal dysbiosis (physio-pathological state that predisposes, according to numerous studies, to a large number of pathologies) creating fertile ground for pathogens or viruses.
From lemon to extra virgin olive oil
According to the latest trend in nutritional biology, the new target in the immune field is to find theintestinal bacterial ecosysteminterface that regulates exchanges, absorption, filters good and bad substances for our body and regulates innate and adaptive immunity. Keeping the intestine in balance (condition of eubiosis) means preserve 70% of our immune system. And here nutrition comes into play: by regularly taking the right amount of prebiotic and probiotic foods you can fortify the intestines. And here is the importance of leafy vegetables and cereals, the value of dried fruit (often forgotten for caloric reasons) and yogurt – or kefir – to be preferred to milk. And then the lemon and extra virgin olive oil: two very Italian products, a hymn to our country that will recover.
Lemon
Rich in vitamin C, very important in cell defense processes. The ideal would be to take a juice every day with a pinch of potassium bicarbonate (alkalizing, fungicidal and digestive properties) in the right amount of hot water, because heat affects the virus.
Flax seed
They are an important source of alpha-linoleic acid, a fatty acid from the omega3 family. The ideal is to add them – raw – to milk or smoothie, and why not, even over the fruit, with a crunchy sprinkling. They are also pleasant with salads.
Plant extracts
In the roots and leaves of the plants there are prebiotic fibers (xylans, glucans …) capable of feeding 90% of the intestinal flora. So go ahead to the preparation of "green extracts" with many vegetables and little fruit.
Oats
The cereal that should never be missing from the diet. Rich in fiber, it helps to regulate the intestine, give satiety and regulate blood cholesterol levels. It is found in grains, flour and flakes. Hence a great versatility in the kitchen. In addition, excellent vegetable milk is obtained from oats, which is increasingly popular in organic shops.
Green leafy vegetables
Chard, turnips, chicory, spinach. But also leafy cabbages – the black one in particular – and watercress. They do well, the best method is to steam them to facilitate digestion and preserve their numerous antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Probiotic supplements
They are living and active microorganisms that strengthen the intestinal ecosystem; each disorder must be integrated with the right probiotic, this because each part of the intestine has a different Ph suitable for a specific strain. So, it is always better to get advice from a doctor or an expert.
Dried fruit
It is a real mine of prebiotic substances (minerals, amino acids and omega3), essential for strengthening the immune system. Consumed in “nature”, or used for desserts, they are a certainty. Also keep in mind the oil seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia) which can be a small snack.
Kefir and yogurt
Natural sources of probiotics, rich in microorganisms (about 52 different strains) that help to rebalance the intestinal bacterial flora and reduce the perennial condition of dysbiosis. Both foods can be prepared at home thus avoiding the absorption of sugars and preservatives.
Buckwheat
Gluten-free, but rich (95%) of Phytolessin, it is a polyphenolic compound, one of the many molecules that plants produce to protect themselves in stressful situations. The cooked beans can be added to soups and soups, but also to vegetable meatballs or cold salads. The flour is very versatile: it can be used to prepare gluten-free bread, dark polenta, tarts, crêpes, pancakes …
Extra virgin olive oil
The king of the Mediterranean diet, but not only: composed mainly of fatty acids and phospholipids, plays a fundamental role in rebalancing the membrane of the white blood cells, the lymphocytes. The secret is to take a fresh oil (rich in polyphenols): always read the production date.
This recipe has already been read 237 times!