A healthful, balanced diet plays a vital role in keeping your body fueled properly. Registered Dietitian and SlimFast Plan Consultant, Maryann Walsh shares her insight.
By incorporating a variety of foods that contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you can help support your overall well-being as well as your immune system. Below are some nutrients and ingredients linked to supporting immunity:
Flavonoids: Phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties1. Some examples include blueberries, blackberries and raspberries which contain the flavonoid anthocyanin. Green tea is also rich in the flavonoid Catechins which also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.1
Curcumin: An antioxidant and powerful anti-inflammatory2 which is found in spices such as turmeric, which has been shown to help with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and anxiety, and even help in the management of inflammation and muscle soreness induced by exercise.
Omega-3’s: Oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines are high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that may help support immunity3,4. Omega-3s have been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease and studies suggest that they may be beneficial in childhood learning and behavior, as well as adult psychiatric and neurological health. You can read much more in our Omega-3 deep dive here: https://slimfast.com/science-of-slimfast/omega-3-brain-health/
Vitamin C: Vegetables and fruits such as bell peppers, strawberries and oranges all contain high amounts of vitamin C. Due to its antioxidant properties and its role in immune function5, vitamin C has been promoted as a means to help prevent numerous health conditions.
Vitamin D: Plays a vital role in immune response within the body6. Vitamin D-rich foods include salmon, mushrooms, and fortified cereals and milk.
Garlic and Ginger: Garlic and ginger have natural antibacterial properties7 and are tasty additions to numerous recipes spanning across a variety of cuisines!
Zinc: Zinc plays an important role in immune regulation8 and is found in foods like meat, poultry, shellfish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays a role in immunity9 and can be found in foods such as almonds, red peppers and salmon.
SlimFast offers solutions to help you lose weight and keep it off, as well as promote overall well-being. SlimFast Advanced Nutrition Creamy Chocolate Ready-to-Drink shakes contain 20g of protein and 24 vitamins and minerals. Aside from good old H2O, there are numerous beverages that also can nourish your body while helping support your hydration status such as SlimFast Keto Ultra Hydration Powder which contains a blend of B-Vitamins, Vitamin C and electrolytes in a refreshing Tropical Orange Mango flavor!
As you can see, supporting your overall well-being and your immune system can be delicious, refreshing and fun!
- https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/flavonoids
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
- https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/essential-fatty-acids
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6834330/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609356/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9701160
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266234/
ABOUT MARYANN
A consultant of the SlimFast Plan, Maryann is a Registered Dietitian with Bachelor of Science degrees in Biological Sciences and Dietetics and a Master of Food and Nutrition. She has extensive experience working with clients of all ages and from all walks of life, helping them to achieve their wellness and weight-loss goals. Learn more about Maryann.