6 types of food that can help to boost immunity during winter

Wintry season is the time where people here get sick easily. The lack of insulation and too much humidity in most homes in New Zealand makes it even worst for those asthma, flu and cold sufferers. It is a known fact (a notorious one) that most New Zealand houses are too cold in the winter and too hot during summer.

I just could not understand why the locals still do not know how to build houses with proper insulation and ventilation despite staying in this country for so long. Don't even get me started on leaky homes. It is one of the biggest shame for the lame duck New Zealand government (be it Labour or National, they are both downright incompetent anyway) and yet they are shying away from their responsibilities and kept passing the buck around while the common civilians like you and me suffered in silence.

Anyway, that is the price to pay if you want to live in New Zealand. If you can afford it, you can pay heaps of simoleons to buff up the insulation and ventilation. If not, then you have to do whatever it takes to keep yourself warm and pray that you do not get sick. Also, be prepared to be "slaughtered" by the power companies because they will charge you with those sky rocketing electricity bills during winter months.

Another way to keep yourself healthy is to watch your diet. Greasy pies? No. Coke? Nah. Sugary cakes and muffins? Nope. Fish and chips? Don't touch them. Those kinds of food may looked tasty but will be marching you to slow death, so stay away from them.

The food that will boost your immune system are as follows:-

1. Omega 3 - Eating two servings of oily fish a week helps to reduce inflammation, which improves airflow and protects lungs from respiratory infections.
2. Wholegrains - A daily serving of wholegrains, especially oats (contained beta-glucans), can boost immunity and may help antibiotics work better.
   
3. Garlic - Allicin, a compound found in garlic, fights bacteria and infection.
4. Probiotics - The bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri can stimulate white blood cell production.
5. Chicken soup - The amino acid cysteine, which is released from chicken when it is cooking, helps thin the mucus and blocks migration of inflammatory cells.
6. Tea - L-theanine found in tea boosts the production of virus-fighting interferons in the blood. Drink several cups of black or green tea each day.