Mushrooms For The Immune System

Mushrooms are found year-round in food shops. The wild ones have their season, but the button mushroom is always available.

Certain mushrooms are used for specific recipes. Whichever of the edible mushrooms you use, know that they are each healthy and full of important nutrients. Latest studies have found that mushrooms play a role in improving heart health, strengthening bones and aiding the immune system.

Since mushrooms contain many minerals they are a factor in enhancing the immune system, thus fighting off the flu, colds or other germs.

Spices too aid in fighting off seasonal illnesses such as the flu, so add curries to your menus. They also fight off bacteria.

Grandma Nature

Friendly Bacteria

Did you know that more than 100 billion bacteria, 1.5 kilograms of them, live in our intestines!!

Their task is varied. There are friendly bacteria, which help to digest the food we eat, maintain the immune system and prevent pathological bacteria from developing. Thus your intestines should be well looked after.

How? By what you eat. A balanced and varied diet is essential. Foods rich in fat are to be avoided. Plain yogurt without sugar and the bifidus drinks are the answer.

Grandma Nature

Mussels give you muscles!

This lovely little seafood is delicious, very healthy and so easy to prepare.

Containing very little fat, mussels bring a good quantity of protein to the body.

Their real value, however, comes in the form of zinc and iron of which there is a great quantity.  Zinc especially is vital in the development of the body as well as in the immune and neurological systems.

Mussels are found in the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.  They are very important in maintaining the aquatic eco-systems as each mussel filters about 25 liters of water each day.

Mussels are delicious steamed with a bit of garlic, parsley and wine.  They are best consumed fresh and have to be eaten quickly. – The same day, if possible.

Grandma Nature

We have been hearing much about beta-carotene these days.  What is it exactly?  No, it is not a carrot!  It is an antioxidant found in foods which seem to reduce cancer development and heart disease.  Carrots do contain a large quantity of beta-carotene as do other yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables.  One thinks of orange when seeing the word carotene, and yet the antioxidant is found in great quantities in dark green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and Swiss Chard as well.

Studies have shown that for the beta-carotene to be most effective it must be cooked or cut into small pieces.  Some fat should be added when preparing the food in order for the beta-carotene to be assimilated in the body.  Other foods with high amounts are carrot juice, pumpkin, sweet potato, kale, beet greens, cantaloupe and red peppers.

Beta-carotene is converted in the body into vitamin A, which is necessary for good vision and the immune system.  It has an important function in helping to prevent lung cancer.    Enjoying these vegetables and fruits will not only provide a delicious meal but will keep you fit and healthy.

Grandma Nature