By Phoebe Jobling
Copyright manchestereveningnews
Households in the UK are being urged to eat certain foods for an immunity boost this autumn, a nutrition expert has advised. As autumn rolls in, so does the comeback of coughs, colds and sneezes. But instead of reaching for cold and flu tablets, experts say the secret weapon for staying well is eating correctly. Nutrition specialist Lara Giusti of Veloforte says that the trick is stocking up on foods packed with key vitamins and minerals before the chill truly sets in. The expert recommends changing your eating habits during the colder months and suggests eating foods such as mushrooms, egg yolks and salmon. Sign up to our Manchester property newsletter here “Look to consume seasonal foods rich in vitamin C, D and zinc, they are key for boosting your immune system naturally,” Lara explained. “Natural vitamin C is present in abundance in berries, citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables, whilst potent sources of natural vitamin D include oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, as well as egg yolks.” For vegans and vegetarians, the expert says mushrooms are a powerful ally, and most effective if they’ve been grown in light rather than primarily in the dark. “Mushrooms that are grown in the light during the fruiting stage, like oyster or shiitake mushrooms, are a great source of natural vitamin D,” she said. Whilst eating these foods is best for your immune system, Lara also advises considering extra support during the darker months. “If you feel that you’re not able to get enough through your real food diet, a natural vitamin supplement from food grown sources can be a sensible option,” she adds. Research shows that more than a third of UK adults are at risk of not getting enough vitamin D, according to data from more than 100,000 Boots customers. The study found that the problem stems from spending minimal amounts of time outdoors, particularly once daylight hours shorten. It also revealed that more than 68 percent of adults regularly experience tiredness and fatigue, both common symptoms associated with low levels of vitamin D. Boots nutritionist Vicky Pennington says this highlights why diet and lifestyle choices are more important than ever during the colder months, meaning the weekly shop should take a seasonal turn. “Kale can be stirred into soups, spinach tossed into stews, or a squeeze of lemon over dinner can deliver a vital vitamin C hit,” she says. “Meanwhile, a hearty salmon fish pie, sardines on toast, or a fluffy omelette with golden yolks are simple ways to boost your vitamin D intake. “And don’t forget zinc – the mineral that often goes under the radar. Swap crisps for cashews, scatter pumpkin seeds over porridge, or stir chickpeas into curries to give your immune system the back-up it needs.” Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE
