Recovering from an illness or surgery can be hard on the body. That’s why it’s extra important you feed your body what it needs to effectively recover.
There are certain foods that can help your body heal no matter the symptoms. Here are some foods that can help with everything from inflammation to wound care.
Learn about these best foods to help your body recover from illness by reading below.
Dark Chocolate
Of course, your immune system needs a good amount of vitamins and minerals to fight off illnesses. One central example is magnesium which can be found in a very special treat – dark chocolate. It contains 15 percent of the daily recommended amount of magnesium in one ounce. Magnesium can improve the function of the proteins, antibodies, lymphocytes, and macrophages, which are the components of your immune system.
Leafy Greens
People often say that you should “eat the rainbow,” and your greens—particularly leafy greens—are essential. These include arugula, mustard greens, swiss chard, and spinach. They are rich in vitamin C, manganese, folate, provitamin A, and magnesium, all of which help support your immune system. If you’re fighting to beat a bad virus, eating a healthy number of leafy greens every day can help your immune system gain strength to defeat the rest of the infection.
Related Read: Interesting Differences Between Western and Eastern Eating Habits
Honey
One of the all-time best foods to help your body recover from illness is honey. While you may feel tempted to sweeten your dishes with other products, this natural sweetener offers many benefits. For one thing, honey can help heal burns and cuts. Furthermore, it is a natural decongestant perfect for fighting a cold or soothing a sore throat. It can also reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. Plus, the antimicrobial properties of honey can fight fungi, bacteria, and certain viruses.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds like sunflower, hemp, and chia seeds are packed with antioxidants. Those antioxidants can fight against cellular damage, as well as help cleanse the rest of your body. The vitamin E in nuts and seeds improves protective immune cells in your body. Your immune cells are crucial for building up your immune system to prevent and fight off illnesses. So, don’t hesitate to add nuts and seeds to your oatmeal, salads, or snack plates.
Related Read: Warm and Tasty: The Best Honey and Tea Combinations
Garlic
Garlic is incredibly useful for flavoring in many delicious dishes. It also possesses a few surprisingly strong health benefits. Garlic has properties that can improve your health and immune response by producing allicin when it’s been chopped up. This carries antiviral and antibacterial properties. A dish of pasta with some fresh sauce and garlic mixed in will give your body an immune boost, excellent for battling viral illnesses.
Cruciferous Vegetables
If you aren’t necessarily familiar with common cruciferous vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and bok choy are prime examples. These veggies pack a punch, as they contain glucosinolates and plenty of B vitamins which reduce inflammation. This can make them beneficial if you have been suffering from a sore, inflamed throat, which is typical in many bad viruses.
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