[ Photo by Freepik.com] Here are 5 powerful reasons to give someone a squeeze today Hugging is very comforting. In addition, there is no substitution for that warm feeling of holding someone in your arms (or being held). The coronavirus pandemic evidenced it well when hugs were probably at the top of the list of things you missed the most. The isolation and lack of human connection made quarantining very difficult. We hug when we’re excited, happy, sad, or seeking comfort. Hugging makes us feel good. And it turns out that it makes us healthier too. There’s strong evidence that giving your loved ones an affectionate squeeze can actually be good for your health. So check out 5 health benefits of hugs! Hugs boost your immune system Hugs can make you feel good – and stronger too. Hugging can boost levels of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and other immune-boosting cells. Touching and hugging can also affect our body’s immune response through hormone regulation, includi
Boost your immune system with these seven food nutrients
Do you want to prevent colds, the flu, and other annoying infections? Bet on healthy eating to strengthen your immune system
A simple trip to the closest grocery store can be the best way to prevent colds, the flu, and other infections. That’s because certain foods may help boost the immune system. According to the British Nutrition Foundation (England), an adequate diet, rich in nutrients, can strengthen your body and make it better prepared to face a series of diseases. On the other hand, a diet low in nutrients and high in carbohydrates, sugars, and fat does just the opposite... So, here’s a look at seven powerful immune system boosters.
Almonds
Vitamin C usually takes all the credit, but vitamin E is an important ally when it comes to preventing and fighting off colds. It is a powerful antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with the vitamin and also have healthy fats. With about 46 whole, shelled almonds, a half-cup serving provides nearly 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E.
Broccoli
Broccoli is practically a superfood. Loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, plus many other antioxidants and fiber, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your table. The key to keeping its power intact is to cook it as little as possible – or, better yet, not to cook it at all: just steam it, and it’s ready to go, keeping all its nutrients.
Green tea
Green tea is packed with flavonoids and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – a potent antioxidant. Studies have shown that EGCG improves immune function. Green tea is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine, aiding in producing germ-fighting compounds in your T cells, which play a critical part in immunity to foreign substances.
Orange
Vitamin C is a well-known nutrient when it comes to preventing and tackling colds. It helps strengthen the immune system, increasing white blood cells production and the antibodies levels, which are essential for fighting infections, thus making our bodies less susceptible to diseases. Also, there’s some evidence that vitamin C may help boost people’s immune systems under significant stress. Your body doesn’t produce or store vitamin C, so you need a daily dose to maintain your health. Eating more fruits and vegetables is the best way to increase their vitamin C intake naturally. You can find your supply of vitamin C in oranges and in almost all citrus fruits, like tangerines, lemons, and limes.
Papaya
Papaya is also loaded with vitamin C. You can find double the daily recommended amount of vitamin C in a single medium fruit! And that’s not all: papayas also have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects, and they are a source of potassium, vitamins B, magnesium, and folate.
Red bell peppers
Do you think you can find vitamin C only in citrus fruits? Actually, red bell peppers contain almost three times as much vitamin C as an orange. And that’s not all: they’re also laden with beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A – that also helps regulate the immune system.
Spinach
Spinach can’t be left off the menu if you want to supercharge your immune system. In addition to being rich in vitamin C, it also contains several antioxidants and beta carotene, which can increase the body’s ability to fight infections. Similar to broccoli, spinach is healthier when cooked as little as possible to retain its nutrients.
by Bianca Neri
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