With the skyrocketing cost of health care and insurance that, even once obtained, we often can't afford to use, there is a growing interest for information about natural ways of maintaining a healthy body. And this is the time of the year when cold and flu season is in full swing. It's an unfortunate fact that the common cold can't be prevented in the same way as the flu. The good news is that we can do more than just get a flu shot to keep ourselves up and running.
There are certain foods and spices that are natural immune system boosters - and they can be easily incorporated into many typical family meals. Some dinner helps that I like to use include oregano, onions and garlic. Dessert helps that I often choose are things like cinnamon, ginger and natural peanut butter. And the natural element is key because the well-known name brands tend to add ingredients that weaken peanut butter's overall effectiveness in combating colds and flu. Another reason peanut butter is effective is because it's high in protein, and protein also gives the body that extra advantage over season related ailments. Other great high protein dinner items that can be used are soy and Salmon.
Though most of us are aware of the value of vitamin C in protecting our bodies from seasonal sickness, I would also like to take a moment to emphasize the fact that fresh fruits and veggies are always a better choice than just taking a vitamin C tablet. While a tablet or a glass of fruit or vegetable juice (which is notated as 100% juice on the product) are better than nothing, when fresh fruits or veggies are eaten, then we also get the benefit of the fiber and the natural sugar - elements which also keep a body healthy. A few great choices include oranges, pineapple, strawberries, grapefruit, broccoli, tomatoes and potatoes.
Another item which is great for strengthening the immune system is green tea. And when sweetened with a teaspoon or two of Splenda, it tastes great. Not only is green tea good for the immune system, it also helps to reduce stress - which is another type of health thief. Unrelieved stress over extended periods of time can actually deplete the body's ability to maintain optimum health. Getting the right amount of sleep also keeps stress levels lower and keeps the immune system charged and more prepared to fight off colds and flu.
While the above isn't a complete list of natural immune system strengtheners, when we use them consistently, they are very effective items for building up our system and keeping us healthy. That being said, here are some ideas that will help make that healthy New Year a little more than just a wish.
Simple Winter Dinner
(Goes great with a dinner salad)
1 pound ground turkey or hamburger
1 small onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Oregano
1 Tablespoon Soy sauce
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon hickory salt
Combine turkey, diced onion, salt, hickory salt and garlic. Cook together on medium heat until ground turkey browned. Add Oregano and Soy sauce and stir. Serve over white rice. Serves 3-4
Peanut Butter Cookies
(A Peanut Butter lover’s dream!)
½ cup milk
½ cup water
2 eggs
½ cup natural peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 Tablespoons Blackstrap Molasses
1 cup sugar (or Splenda)
1 ½ cup self-rising flour
Beat together milk, water, eggs, peanut butter, vanilla, molasses and sugar for about 2-3 minutes. Stir in flour. Drop by teaspoon full on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 7-10 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Spice Cookies
(A little spice on a cold winter night)
½ cup milk
1 egg
1 Tablespoon butter softened
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoons honey (optional)
3 teaspoons vanilla
¾ cup sugar (or Splenda)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons nutmeg
1 teaspoon ginger
1 cup self rising white flour
Beat together milk, egg, butter, oil, honey, vanilla and sugar for 2-3 minutes. Stir in flour. Consistency will be somewhat stringy. Drop by teaspoon on greased cookie sheet
and bake at 350 for 7-10 minutes. Makes about 12 cookies
