IMMUNITY BOOSTER
Immunity boosters are those foods which support the body's resistance to infection and strengthen immune vigilance and response.
Recipes that include immune-boosting ingredients are below.
To learn more about how to boost your immunity, click the icon.
June 7, 2016
At the height of allergy season, incorporating nettles into your meals can be a soothing practice offering relief. With research supporting the use of nettles for seasonal allergies and hay fever, this plant contains anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties (Learn more about the benefits of nettles in our story on them). It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Nettles care commonly cooked into a tea, but they also make a flavorful sauce. Enjoy this fresh nettle pesto today over quinoa or gluten-free pasta. Chef’s note: Never eat or touch fresh nettles; heat neutralizes the volatile compound that sting […]
October 18, 2015
A tropical American fruit, cherimoyas are popular in the Southern hemisphere and Spain. In Britain they’re called custard apples which aptly describes their texture and flavor. Cherimoyas can be purchased online from Amazon.com or melissas.com and need to be allowed to ripen until soft before using. The black seeds are poisonous when crushed, so be sure to discard them. Cherimoyas offer vitamin B6—an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, vitamin C, iron, and riboflavin for cell energy. These small, candy-like balls have a custardy flavor. Since many people have never tried cherimoyas, I like to serve them this way at parties as […]
July 2, 2014
My mother made this dish for our family dinners whenever we wanted comfort food. I always think of her when I make it. It has chicken and egg–symbols of the life cycle. I usually serve it over some form of potato: mashed, boiled baked, or even fried (baked potatoes are the healthiest option). The chicken provides detoxifying selenium, and the tomatoes offer heart-healthy lycopene. The garlic contributes immune-boosting allicin compounds, while the olive oil adds natural anti-inflammatory compounds (oleocanthal and oleuropein). SERVES 4 Ingredients 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. minced garlic 1/2 cup diced onion 2 cups […]
June 29, 2013
This is a very versatile dressing that you can toss with my Apple Barley Salad or with any mixed greens. The lime juice provides immune-boosting vitamin C, while antioxidant compounds in the chili powder help to neutralize free radicals in your cells. If you want a spicier dressing, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Both contain capsaicin, which stimulates circulation. This dressing makes the perfect marinade for my Summertime Grilled Chicken. The lime brings out the flavor of the poultry, and the olive oil keeps it from sticking to the grill. To use this dressing with fruit salad, simply […]
November 21, 2011
Cranberries are high in antioxidants and immune-boosting vitamin C. They even have a bit of resveratrol in them—the heart-friendly nutrient found in red wine. This recipe will keep for many days in the refrigerator. I use it in my Cranberry Bread Pudding and on its own as an accompaniment for poultry. YIELDS about 4 cups Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar 1 cup fresh cranberries Procedure 1. Boil the water and sugar in a large nonreactive saucepan, such as copper or enamel-coated cast iron, for about 5 minutes. 2. Add the cranberries and boil until […]