How Can We Support our Bodies by Choosing Health-Focused Foods
In traditional Eastern culture, there is an idiom we always say in Chinese medicine: “Illness enters by the mouth, “this means sickness can result from the food we choose to consume. Health is also associated with food, weather, and the environment. The food we choose triggers and changes the original immune system of the body, increasing the production of stress hormones that slow down the body’s metabolic function. One of the treatments in traditional Chinese medicine is diet therapy which is the use of seasoning and whole food. Use ingredients gently and naturally to treat and help regulate the body’s functions (Pacific College of Health and science). Using diet to enhance immunity and metabolism to face the test brought by a sudden temperature drop and either change is a positive way for us to give our body the greatest support. Here are some ideas that we can take from food resources to build up our immune system and help our body through the weather change.
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and vegetables including broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, eggs, carrots, and more include Vitamin C and A which are powerful antioxidants and vitamins that help wounds, repair and maintain healthy bones, fight off free radicals in the body and make antibodies to fight off illness. As you may know, Vitamin D is very important for bone health, but it’s also very important to the immune system because it may help fight off bacteria and viruses. Vitamin D can be absorbed via sun exposure. Aim for small amounts of sun exposure daily to get Vitamin D, but make sure you wear sunscreen. If you live in a cloudier climate or it’s the winter season, food can help supplement such as salmon, egg yolk, some cheeses, and irradiated mushrooms. (Alessandra Stasnopolis, 2020)
Protein is key for healing and recovery, therefore making it important for your overall immune health as well. Aim to eat a variety of animal and plant-based proteins and spread them out throughout the day. Healthy protein sources include seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, and soy products (soybeans, edamame, tofu, and tempeh) (Alessandra Stasnopolis, 2020)
Results of recent population studies suggest that soy has either a beneficial or neutral effect on various health conditions. Soy is a nutrient-dense source of protein that can safely be consumed several times a week, and more often, and is likely to provide health benefits—especially when eaten as an alternative to red and processed meat. Aside from their isoflavone content, soy foods are rich in nutrients including B vitamins, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and high-quality protein. Unlike some plant proteins, soy protein is considered a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot make which must be obtained from the diet. As known, Soy protein might lower levels of harmful cholesterol, and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other forms of cardiovascular disease. Soy foods are good for the heart and blood vessels because they provide polyunsaturated fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in saturated fat. Fermented soy foods are commonly consumed, and bacteria might have benefits for neurological disorders. (Harvard T.H. Chan, School of Public Health)
Nature’s Soy provides many different options of soy products that can benefit our wellness. Our line includes tofu snacks, several different textures of tofu and savory tofu products, soy milk, and the pressed tofu line. To learn more about Nature’s Soy products, please visit Our Products page on our website.
Once the weather starts changing, whole-balanced foods will provide what our body needs. The more flexible whole food options that we choose the more we can support our body and build up good diet habits which is the first step to nourishing our bodies all year round.
Works Cited
Alessandra Stasnopolis, R. L. (2020, 3 19). Retrieved from
https://scrubbing.in/foods-that-may-help-boost-your-immune-system/
Harvard T.H. Chan, School of Public Health. (n.d.). Straight Talk About Soy. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/soy/
Pacific College of Health and science. (n.d.). HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT: LOOKING AT FOOD AS MEDICINE.
https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/04/15/healing-inside-out-looking-food-medicine.
