The immune system can be called your body’s soldier!
Did you know that 70 – 80% of the immune system is in your gut? The gut and immune system support each other to promote a healthy body. The gut microbiome acts as a gatekeeper/trainer to the immune cells also called T-cells. These teach the body how to differentiate between invaders such as viruses, bacteria and other foreign bodies which may attack and weaken your body’s tissues and immune system.
At present, we are in the middle of a global pandemic due to the COVID-19 virus and require foods with nutraceutical value that boost our immune system. Nutraceuticals are known as “a substance that may be considered a food or part of a food which provides medical or health benefits, encompassing prevention and treatment of disease.”
Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean boasts functional foods such as lemongrass, ginger, orange, French cashew, lime, vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D which are packed with immune-boosting properties. These aid the building of the immune system and benefits the gut microbiome. Grenada’s national dish is the ubiquitous “oil down” with the primary ingredient, breadfruit now touted as a super food. The reality is that the majority of foods grown in Grenada by farmers and especially the members of Grenada Agro Tourism are organically grown using traditional methods – eat seasonal so the foods are fresh.
Adding these functional foods to your diet e.g., ginger also offers the additional benefits of reducing inflammation, bloating, and alleviating excess gas.
A healthy dose of Vitamin D also known as the sunshine vitamin is key to building the immune system. Vitamin D is both a hormone produced by the body and a nutrient we can consume by eating healthy foods. Vitamin D and the immune system go hand in hand to build the immune system. It also aids the absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are critical for bone building, reducing inflammation and improving the overall immune system. So, enjoy your time in the sun on one of Grenada’s many beautiful beaches.
