9 foods to defy flu and the cold, and boost your immune system
We have plenty fresh seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables in the markets and shops to choose from, so where do we start?
One of the best ways to stay healthy and boost your immune system, is to eat right, especially during cold weather when flu is so prevalent. In Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, we have plenty of fresh seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables in the markets and shops to choose from, so where do we start?
Here are nine foods to include in your diet during flu season.
1. Seafood
Registered dietitian Novella Lui says eating seafood helps protect your immune system and prevent cell damage.
“Shellfish such as oysters, shrimps and crabs are known for their good source of selenium, a mineral and an antioxidant that may help with maintaining a healthy immune system, preventing cell damage and preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. In addition to oysters, selenium can be found in beef, salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, trout and tuna.
2. Other food featuring selenium
Some plant-based sources such as couscous, Brazil nuts, chia seeds and sunflower seeds also contain selenium
The amount of selenium in food varied; 75 grams of oysters contain 116mcg of selenium while a quarter of a cup (60ml) of Brazil nuts consists of 681mcg of selenium.