Supporting our immune system is something we must focus on all year round, especially in the winter months. Bright and colourful fruits are loaded with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc to help our immune system function properly and keep us healthy. Packing them into a fruit salad is the perfect healthy dessert option to keep your immune system nourished.
What's inside?
Kiwi fruit
This fruit is nutrient dense and a great source of vitamins, antioxidants and fibre which all support healthy immune function. Fibre aids digestion by absorbing toxins in the colon and eliminating them from the body through bowel movement. Gut health is a major influence on our immune system so maintaining a healthy gut is important.
Papaya
Papaya is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help to support our immune system all year round. They also contain enzymes that help to fight free radicals and have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Papaya is also a great source of dietary fibre.
Strawberries
Strawberries are another summer fruit packed full of antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which are great for fighting free radicals and boosting immune function. Eating foods with vitamin C has the additional benefit of helping the body absorb iron, another mineral important for supporting the immune system.
Cashew nuts
Cashew nuts contain the minerals zinc and copper, which are essential for a healthy immune system. Zinc plays a role in the development of immune system cells, the production of antioxidant enzymes and the activity of immune system regulators.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are another great source of copper and zinc as well as being high in vitamin E and other antioxidants. Vitamin E helps to strengthen the immune system and maintain healthy blood vessels.
Manuka honey
Manuka honey contains a compound called Methylglyoxal (MG or MGO) which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, helping to restrict bacterial growth. Manuka Honey is also an important food for healthy gut bacteria, so very beneficial for gut health.
Vitamin C Zooki
Vitamin C Zooki contains 1000mg of Vitamin C encapsulated with lipids, which are the same things that make up your cells. Adding this to your salad will give it that extra boost needed when you're feeling run down and in need of immune support.