Healthy snack ideas to boost your immune system – Part 5

You wash your hands before you eat, get eight hours of sleep every night, and hit the gym five times a week. Perhaps you even get a flu shot and carry a personal-size bottle of sanitizer in your purse. Although all of these steps are important for maintaining a healthy immune system, why not give your body an extra boost of protection by including these healthy snacks into your daily diet.

Tutti-Frutti

When it comes to snacks to boost your immune system, you really can’t go wrong with a piece of fruit or some sliced raw veggies. Both fruits and vegetables make convenient snacks, easily slipped into a desk drawer or coat pocket. They are also full of valuable vitamins and minerals that give your body the tools to fight illness. Crave your sweet tooth, or an urge to munch with these healthy alternatives.

Go Nuts!

In moderation, nuts can be the perfect way to balance a daily diet and support a healthy immune system. Nuts contain large amounts of protein that your body craves, while filling you up and helping you feel satisfied within meals. Nuts also increase heart health, are high in fiber, and contain essential antioxidants. When choosing nuts, look for those that are raw (not roasted) and contain no extra sugar or salt coatings. While these coatings may appeal to your taste buds, the negative effects of these additives outweigh the benefits of the nuts themselves. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are among the best nuts when it comes to immune system health.

Got Milk?

Although a double chocolate milkshake will do very little to help your immune system, dairy in general has many health benefits. Low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk give your body essential calcium, protein and vitamins. Dairy products have also been shown to aid in weight-loss, which plays a large role in overall health.

Based on the Above Suggestions, here are some fun and easy snack ideas you can try:

-Sliced apples and low-fat cheese

-Trail mix with dried apricots, raisins, and your favorite nuts

-Fruit smoothie made with low-fat yogurt, milk, fresh fruit, and orange juice

-Baby carrots and peanut butter

-Low-fat yogurt sprinkled with crushed walnuts.

Most likely, snacking is already a part of your daily life. By substituting your normal vending-machine snacks for those listed above, you can take a small steps to improve the health of your immune system.