The Rise of Plant-Based Nutrition: Superfoods for Super Immunity

Superfoods for Super Immunity: Supporting Your Body's Defences Naturally

Here at Free Soul, we know the key to looking and most importantly, feeling great starts with nutrition. While we can all agree that a good skincare routine works wonders, a good diet goes above and beyond giving us glowing skin. 

Eating right can help us operate at maximum capacity, keep illnesses at bay, and keep us on top form, whether it’s at the gym, hanging out with the girls, or simply taking fewer sick days. That’s where superfoods come in. 

But, for a superfood novice, it can be difficult to know exactly where to start. What falls into the superfoods category? Are they just foods that support the immune system, or is there more to them than meets the eye? Pour yourself a cup of Free Soul Greens powder and kick back as we explore how you can make the most out of these magical foods.

What is a Superfood?

Superfoods are exceptionally nutrient-dense foods believed to provide significant benefits due to their high content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other compounds.

Superfoods are typically celebrated for their potential to promote overall health and wellbeing when incorporated into a balanced diet. Essentially, they bring a lot to the table, which is why the more of them you can eat, the better. Here are a few examples of superfoods, along with their benefits:

• Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant blue colour. Blueberries may help improve cognitive function, protect against age-related cognitive decline, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support heart health.
• Kale: Kale is a leafy green vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, calcium, and iron. Kale is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help lower cholesterol levels, support bone health and promote healthy digestion. 
• Garlic: Known for its supposed immune-boosting properties, garlic contains compounds like allicin, which may enhance immune cell function and help combat infections–just remember to brush your teeth!
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms are considered superfoods for a number of reasons, not least because of how nutrient-dense they are. They’re packed full of vitamins like B2 and B3, making them one of the most important immune supporting foods out there, which is why we made our very own mushroom coffee, Wake.
• Ginger: When it comes to your diet, ginger has countless benefits. It’s an anti-inflammatory, and studies have shown that it can also help nausea and may even reduce pain.

Other superfoods include turmeric, spinach, acai berries, avocado, and much more!

What Are The Best Foods to Support Immune System?

Having an overall idea of what superfoods are and what they can do for your body is a great place to start, but let’s break it down a little more. Just like with any food category, some superfoods are better immune supporting foods than others. For optimal wellbeing, try incorporating these into your diet:

• Citrus fruits: If you’ve gone out and bought yourself a bag of oranges when you get a cold, you’re not the only one. It’s true what they say: citrus fruits do have a healthy amount of Vitamin C in them, which helps us fend off any nasty bugs. However, it shouldn’t just be a go-to cold cure but a part of our everyday diet to get the most benefits.
• Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass is a nutrient-rich grass that has gained popularity for its potential health benefits and nutritional value. It’s particularly well-known for being a key ingredient in superfood powder like our own Free Soul Greens.
• Green Tea: You may prefer green powder, but we can’t deny that green tea is the holy grail of antioxidants. It’s full of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has antiviral properties that can give your immune system the support it needs.
• Ashwagandha: Often used to support overall well-being, ashwagandha may contribute to a balanced lifestyle. Additionally,  it may potentially support immune function and reduce inflammation in the body.
• Maca: This superfood is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a nourishing boost. With its nutrient-dense profile, maca is a popular choice for those seeking to incorporate wholesome ingredients into their balanced lifestyle.
• Spirulina: Often highlighted for its potential to support the immune system, spirulina is considered a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Incorporating spirulina into your daily routine may provide a convenient way to nourish the body and potentially enhance immune function.  
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar comes in many forms, including our quick and convenient ACV Gummies. This wonder food may help with everything from digestive health to blood sugar regulation, making it the perfect addition to your diet.
• Golden Kiwi: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, golden kiwi is known for its refreshing taste and vibrant colour. It’s full of vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system and promoting overall health. 

Supplementing Your Superfood Intake For Optimal Results 

Incorporating all of these amazing superfoods into your diet will help strengthen your immune system, but it doesn’t stop there. You can also supplement your diet with products like superfood powder to make sure you’re giving your body all the tools it needs to help you stay fighting fit. That’s where we come in. 

We know that life can get hectic, which is why our products are quick, convenient, and delicious. 

For a boost first thing in the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up with all the pros and none of the cons of your daily caffeine fix, try our Wake mushroom coffee. Our Free Soul Greens superfoods powder also offers a generous helping of 21 greens and superfoods (including ones we’ve discussed here), making it the perfect one-stop-shop for your immune supporting needs. 

What Immune Supporting Foods Can Mean for Your Wellbeing   

So, if you haven’t guessed, superfoods are kind of a big deal. It can go way beyond getting in your greens powder (although that’s a key element we never miss)! 

Making an effort to get more of these immune system-boosting foods into your diet can often be as simple as picking your supplements wisely or switching out your snacks for a superfood. These simple changes can have far-reaching benefits that positively impact our daily lives. 

Our wellbeing matters, and taking control of our diets doesn’t have to be difficult–but it is delicious. Happy eating!

**At Free Soul, your well-being is our priority, and although we pride ourselves on our expertise in women's health and wellbeing, it is important to acknowledge the individuality of each person. Features published by Free Soul are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease, or replace the advice of your GP. We always recommend consulting with a healthcare provider if you encounter any health concerns, and we’ll always be here to support you so you’re never alone on your journey.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4436156/ - Zingiberaceae extracts for pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis