A healthy immune system is so important! Especially during this tough time in the year, you might’ve heard a little about eating well and keeping healthy to “make sure your immune system is ok!”. While this is very true, do you really know how much healthy eating impacts your overall health and wellbeing?
What is the role of the immune system?
The main role of the immune system is to protect your body from foreign and potentially harmful substances. These harmful substances can make you ill if they attack the immune system. The immune system is home to many different fighter cells that can recognise foreign bodies and attack them before it attacks us. It is important to constantly nourish and strengthen the activity of these immune cells so they function well, and keep us fit and healthy.
When we are at our healthiest, our immune systems are strongest, and this allows our bodies to increase their capabilities of preventing onset, fighting and recovering from infections. It is so important during this time, where coronavirus is present, that you maintain a healthy, balanced diet. An unhealthy diet can greatly weaken the immune system, posing an increased risk towards diseases, like cardiovascular diseases or cancers.
How do we keep our immune system strong?
It’s all about nourishing our bodies from the inside! Avoid inflammatory foods, such as products high in sugar and salt. Too much sugar can cause adverse health effects to our bodies. One effect in particular, being chronic inflammation. The sugars we consume can stimulate the growth of harmful compounds called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). Too many of these compounds in our bodies cause inflammation and increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and gastrointestinal problems. High consumption of sugar can also suppress our immune system. It does not provide our gut microflora with the correct nutrients, throwing it off balance and causing distress. Stick to foods high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, such as leafy greens, fruits and vegetables! Its nutritional value is great for our bodies, and for strengthening our immune system.
Look out for foods that are particularly rich in vitamin C and vitamin E. These vitamins are so great in helping to regulate and maintain immune system activity. They are both antioxidants; they seek to protect cells against harmful molecules that may be produced when the body breaks down food, or when we inhale any environmental pollutants.
At SnackProud, our goal is to deliver healthy, nutritious and affordable snacks which have the right ingredients that strengthen your immune system, at your convenience! They’re perfect for the busy work days, to pop in your bag.
Some of our snacks that contain vitamin E:
- LuvCo, No-bake cashew cookies: These raw cookies are packed with various nuts: cashews and peanuts that contain vitamin E
- SnackProud Protein bars (Choc berry fudge, Banana Choc fudge): Our very own bars are made with whole ingredients like seeds, MCT oils and tahini, which contain vitamin E
- Better Being Bar’s: These bars also contain vitamin E rich ingredients, like cashews.
Our vitamin C snack for you to try:
- BARnanaz chocolate coated bananas: These bananas are solar-dried, and contain some vitamin C which is beneficial for your bodies!
Some of our sugar-free drinks:
- Level Lemonade: Pineapple flavour. It contains vitamin C, which is perfect for strengthening your immune system.
- Remedy’s kombucha. Not only are they sugar-free, but they contain millions of probiotic cultures perfect for boosting your gut microflora.
How can employers can enhance their staff health and well-being during return to work?
At SnackProud, we curate a range of different snack boxes, containing various savoury and sweet snacks, made with wholesome and nutritious ingredients. These snacks can ensure your team returns to work with their optimal health and wellbeing. Have a look at our gift boxes online!
Just some of our snack boxes we sell:
- Protein Gift box
- Gluten free gift box
- Wholesome foodie box
- Premium healthy hamper
