As the autumn season approaches, it’s time to embrace all the wonderful activities that come with it. From pumpkin carving to apple picking and corn mazes, there’s plenty to enjoy. However, amidst the excitement, it’s important to remember to prepare our immune systems for the cold and flu season that often accompanies this time of year. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious recipes that can help boost our immunity and provide germ-fighting power.
One go-to recipe that I love to make during the fall is a nondairy cream of mushroom soup. This soup is thick, comforting, and packed with immune-boosting superfoods. The mushrooms in this recipe contain antiviral properties thanks to their beta-glucans and chitosans. Additionally, the soup features a bold umami flavor that may help soothe a frustrating cough and never-ending sniffles. So, slurping down a bowl of this delicious soup can provide a hefty dose of cold-fighters for your body.
Another recipe that is perfect for the fall season is roasted pumpkin seeds. These super seeds offer numerous benefits for our bodies, including protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They are also one of the best sources of zinc, which plays a vital role in immunity. One of my favorite ways to enjoy pumpkin seeds is to roast pepitas (shell-less pumpkin seeds) with a fiery blend of chili, cumin, garlic, and cayenne. This creates a spicy and flavorful snack that can be enjoyed by the handful or sprinkled on oatmeal, yogurt, salads, and soups. If you prefer something sweeter, you can try cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds instead. These provide a satisfying and crunchy treat that hits the spot.
Finally, a trendy trick for boosting your immunity is to make fermented garlic honey. This two-ingredient condiment not only adds flavor to your dishes but also offers immune-strengthening properties. Honey and garlic are both known for their health benefits, including soothing a sore throat and providing antibacterial and antifungal properties. When combined and fermented, they create a potent home remedy to combat cold and flu symptoms. Simply place peeled garlic cloves in a sterilized mason jar and cover with raw honey. Allow the mixture to ferment for 3 to 4 weeks, releasing any gases that form during the process. You can then eat a clove a day with some honey as a preventative method or consume it once you feel a cold coming on. Additionally, you can add the garlic-infused honey to a cup of soothing tea for an extra boost when you’re feeling under the weather.
By incorporating these immune-boosting recipes into your fall routine, you can enhance your body’s defenses and enjoy the wonders of the season to the fullest. Whether you’re savoring a comforting bowl of cream of mushroom soup, munching on roasted pumpkin seeds, or drizzling fermented garlic honey on your favorite dishes, these recipes offer a delicious way to support your health during cold and flu season. So, let’s embrace autumn and all its wonders while nourishing our bodies with these superfoods and beneficial compounds.
Sources:
– Today.com (Recipes: Classic chicken noodle soup, Indian-spiced pepitas, Chili-roasted pumpkin seeds, Cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, Make-ahead slow cooker maple oatmeal, Healthy breakfast parfait blend, Salad recipes, Laura Vitale’s fall soup recipes, Immune-boosting recipes for fall and flu season)