We are all encountering a chapter of our lives where we have an increased amount of time on our hands to focus on our children’s (and our won) eating habits. Right now, during the COVID-19 outbreak there is a growing interest in how we fuel their bodies and boost their immune systems naturally. We want to do everything we can to keep them fit, well and healthy.
Eating the right foods can play a significant role in this. We’ve created a short list of foods that by their very nature will help boost and strengthen your child’s immune system naturally. We’ve also featured some great child friendly recipes that incorporate each of these fine ingredients. Not only will your children love helping you make them, but they’ll also enjoy the outcome of their cookery efforts!
Foods that will help boost your child’s immune system include:
Citrus Fruits
Increase the production of white blood cells; these are key in fighting infections. Eating more will help their immune system pack a punch! We love this citrus twist on drinking water!
Red bell peppers
Surprisingly contain twice the amount of vitamin C as citrus fruits! A real ‘Daddy’ in ‘c’ terms. There’s loads of ways to integrate red bell peppers at Scholastic, but we particularly love their ‘Sausage Dogs!’
Ginger
Ginger can reduce sore throats and also ease nausea. Integrate this magic into their diet sooner rather than later!
You’ll find loads of ideas around how to integrate Asian foods into your child’s diet – and the bonus is these recipes are crammed with loads of healthy flavoursome ingredients – including ginger! Check out this ‘Ginger Pork Meatball Stir Fry.’ A real lip smacker of a recipe!
Spinach
Not only is it crammed with vitamin c but it’s also loaded with antioxidants that will help fuel your child’s immune system – making it a food powerhouse. We love these cheesy spinach bites and your kids will too – added bonus it also integrates garlic into its list of ingredients!
Garlic
This lovely bulb has long been acknowledged for improving, easing and fighting off a whole host of health problems. Stick to the real thing and you’ll be contributing to your ability to naturally reduce the severity and frequency of colds. A particularly poignant one when one of the many traits of the COVID-19 outbreak is cold and flu like symptoms. Pack your cloves in! You’ll find a whole host of recipes here but the one that really grabbed our attention was their ‘Honey Garlic Chicken Wings.’ The kids will be eager to tuck into these beauties!
Broccoli
One cup is packed with as much vitamin C as an orange! It also has houses a whole portfolio of B vitamins.
These pizza pockets are a really fun twist on making the traditional pizza – kids will love making them!
Sweet potato
Packed with a humongous amount of vitamin A and a good measure of vitamin c, plus they’re cholesterol free – meaning you can enjoy them guilt free! This vegetarian cheesy sweet potato bake is a real crowd pleaser and will leave your kids wanting and asking for more!
What is your immune system and why is it important to boost the strength of this in our children?
Your immune system is your body’s defense against infection and illness.
When your child’s body encounters a foreign substance, the immune system kicks in and attempts to combat and conquer it.
Integrating certain foods and nutrients into your child’s diet, will help support and strengthen their immune system.