Top 5 Flu-Fighting Foods + Recipes from HelloFresh

By HelloFresh on December 9, 2015

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Flu season is in full swing. To help avoid catching dreaded sniffles, coughs and everything in between this winter, Rebecca Lewis, RD for HelloFresh—the only meal kit delivery service with an in-house registered dietitian—shares her top five food picks to boost immunity and ward off the winter blues!

“Believe it or not, most immune support is based upon the health of the individual,” Rebecca says. “If you eat an adequate healthy diet full of nutrient-dense foods, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly—your ability to fight the common cold increases greatly. When you are feeling run down, it is always a good idea up your intake of fruits and vegetables to replace any critical vitamins and minerals you may be missing in your diet. It’s also important to manage your stress and get enough sleep to keep up your mental energy.”

Rebecca’s Top 5 Flu-Fighting Food Picks:

Bell Peppers—1 cup of chopped red bell pepper has:

48 calories
524% of our daily recommended vitamin C intake
108% of our daily recommended vitamin A intake
Is rich in carotenoids which helps to keep eyes strong
Is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

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Broccoli—1 cup of chopped broccoli has:

31 calories
135% of our daily recommended vitamin C intake
116% of our daily recommended vitamin K intake
Is full of antioxidants to fight off damage in our bodies.
Contributes to detoxification in our bodies.
Helps to make and maintain healthy teeth, bones, and skin

Strawberries—1 cup of Strawberries has:

47 calories
141% of our daily recommended vitamin C intake
11% of our daily recommended fiber intake
Berries are also anti-inflammatory, and since inflammation is a key driver of all chronic diseases, berries help stop that inflammation before it even begins – reducing risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

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Salmon—A 6-oz fillet has:

354 calories
150% of our daily recommended vitamin D
92% of our daily recommended vitamin B12
Salmon is one of very few food sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids – which helps to prevent inflammation in our bodies, supports heart health, boosts mood and brain power, and reduces cancer risk

Sweet Potatoes—1 cup of chopped/cubed sweet potato has:

114 calories
377% of our daily recommended vitamin A intake
They are rich in the anti-oxidant beta-carotene
Help protect against dry skin (which is the first point of contact to defend the immune system!)

For those seeking a fool-proof way to incorporate these superfoods into their diet this season, HelloFresh has plenty of power-packed recipes. Here is a selection: