Immune Boosting Back to School Lunch Tips to Combat COVID-19

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August is already upon us, and that means it’s time for kids to go back to school. With the craziness of the past year, you and your kids might be more health conscious than you used to be. One way to boost your immune system and fight COVID-19 is to engage in and encourage healthy eating habits. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips for creating lunches that will boost you and your child’s immune systems.

Schools have always been a breeding ground for sickness. Many children are not well versed in hygiene which leads to a lot of germs being spread. With COVID-19 on the rise once again, boosting immune function is more important than ever. One immune boosting tip is to go for wholegrain instead of white bread. These foods are rich in Vitamin B, which promotes cell health, cardiovascular health, brain function, and hormone production. These are all important for growing children. Moreover, these slow-burning carbs will keep kids energized and focused throughout the school day.

Another important food group to include in your child’s lunches are fruits vegetables. Any colorful fruit or vegetable contains essential building blocks for growth and immune function. One fruit you may immediately jump to is oranges, as they have a high Vitamin C content as it is essential in immune function. However, there are other fruits and veggies richer in Vitamin C. For instance, Red Bell Peppers contain three times as much vitamin C as Florida oranges. Pair these with some hummus or cream cheese and you’ve got a delicious snack that also acts as an immune booster.  Vitamin E is another vitamin you should be including in any healthy lunch. This immune boosting vitamin can be found in foods like avocados, spinach, and other dark leafy greens. This vitamin helps widen blood vessels to improve circulation and helps fight off invading bacteria and viruses. 

One vitamin a lot of people aren’t aware of is selenium. This immune boosting virus has been found effective in combating viral infections like Swine Flu. Foods rich in selenium include sunflower seeds, seafoods, organ meats, and cereals. Be sure to include these foods for an extra boost to your immune system.

In short, staying healthy and boosting your immune system is essential for combating viral infections like COVID-19. When packing lunches for your children, and yourself, be mindful of the vitamins and mineral sin each food. Look out for unexpected sources of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Selenium to really boost your immune response against viral infections.