The cold winter months are on their way. Yay for the cosy holidays, but nay for the flu season that comes with them. Want to make sure you don’t end up sick at the Christmas dinner table? We’ve got the solution. You guessed it: fruit!
1. Prevention is better than cure
Eating fruit while you’re sick is good for you, but eating fruit to prevent illness is even better. The vitamins in fruit mainly help build up your immune system, which makes them more effective as prevention than as a cure. A daily piece of fruit keeps the flu away!
Already under the weather? Choose fruit high in Vitamin C. This vitamin plays a key role in strengthening the immune system and fighting inflammation. Its antioxidants also combat harmful particles in the body, such as free radicals. Oranges, mandarins and kiwis are all packed with Vitamin C.
2. Cheers to your health!
Vitamin C is a must, but did you know Vitamin D is even more important when it comes to preventing flu and colds? A deficiency makes you more vulnerable to illness — and that’s exactly what we don’t want. Normally, sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D, but in winter the sun is often hard to find. Luckily, fruit can help fill the gap. Oranges, for example, are a great source of Vitamin D. A fresh glass of orange juice can help keep colds at bay.
3. Active compounds
Besides plenty of minerals and fibre, fruit also contains lots of water. We all know that drinking enough water (around 1.5 litres a day) keeps your immune system in good shape. According to the University of Nebraska, it also helps prevent dehydration, which is key to fighting off flu and cold viruses.
An apple already contains about 84 grams of water, making it a simple way to help maintain your fluid balance. Fruit also contains “bioactive salvestrols” — natural compounds formed in plants that, according to British research, help the body defend itself against viruses and bacteria. Red grapes, raspberries and blackcurrants are especially rich in these protective substances. Combine them with plenty of water, and you’ll be flu-proof this winter.
The bottom line: fruit keeps your immune system strong. If you don’t always have it at home, it’s great to have fresh fruit ready to grab at the office. Order a fruit crate for your workplace now and you’ll face flu season with peace of mind — and no runny nose at Christmas dinner.
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