It's inevitably that time of year when colds, the flu, and viruses are making there rounds through your home, work or school. But, have you ever wondered why some people repeatedly get sick, and others seem to make it through the harsh winter unscathed or recover swiftly from illness? 

Are Vitamins Better Than Food?

Many people fall into the misconception that they can just take vitamin capsules in place of natural nutrients from whole food sources such as immune-boosting fruits and vegetables. 

It may come as a surprise to many people, but most supplements on the market today are made artificially.

These synthetic vitamins are also isolated, which means they don't have the necessary transporters that nutrients found in nature do for optimal health. 

Synthetic vitamins do not contain the same vital nutrients as whole foods, such as other vitamins, minerals, co-factors, enzymes, flavonoids, and polyphenols, a type of phytochemical and compound with antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants are another nutrient proven to do more harm than good when taken in pill form. Excessive intake or an overload of isolated antioxidants can have toxic effects and may even promote oxidative damage — a phenomenon termed the "antioxidant paradox."

So far, there is not much evidence to support the bio-availability of synthetic vitamins and antioxidants compared to nutrients from natural sources found in a wide variety of whole foods and fresh juices.

How Do Immune Systems Work?

Our bodies are constantly exposed to potentially harmful pathogens and microbes every day. Our immune system is an intricate network of pathways inside the body to protect and fight off foreign invaders, including certain diseases. It recognizes these invaders as harmful and takes immediate action. 

Suppose the body is operating at a less than optimal state due to a poor inflammatory diet, combined with high levels of stress or a long-term sedentary lifestyle. In that case, the immune system is likely weakened and unable to fight off infection or disease. 

What Are the Best Foods for Immunity?

No single food source is going to be a magic pill when you're sick, which is why it's essential to include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure you bounce back quickly from an illness.

Since we now know that natural nutrients are superior to vitamins in pill form, let's explore some of the top fruits and vegetables to keep in your regular rotation to ensure that your immune system is strong and healthy. 

Making this a lifestyle change in the long-term will strengthen your immune system and ward off any infections from colds, viruses, bacteria, or parasites now and in the future!

Vitamin C from Citrus and Leafy Greens

Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit are loaded with immune-boosting vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts white blood cells, vital in fighting off infection. Leafy greens also contain a substantial amount of vitamin C. Since Midwest Juicery juices contain 40% less sugar than leading brands, you have a variety of juices to choose from to hit your daily vitamin C!

You can find lemon featured in all of our juices such as Lava Lemonade, Sippin' On Ginger Juice, 4 Carrot Gold, All Greens Everything, Green With Envy, Green Light, and Beets By Midwest, and of course, greens are found in all of our green juices.

Ginger

Ginger root is high in gingerol, a potent superfood with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When our immune system is under attack, it starts a process of inflammation for healing. Consuming ginger can reduce inflammatory illnesses and sore throats.

Ginger is the star in our Sippin' on Ginger Juice, and a touch can be found in 4 Carrot Gold, Beets by Midwest, and All Greens Everything.

Apples 

Everyone knows an apple a day keeps the doctor away! And we're here to tell you that it is 100% true. Apple's are a rich source of polyphenols and contain 10% of your daily recommended vitamin C.

However, the quercetin found in the skin is the true star here. Apple skin contains quercetin, a type of flavonoid that reduces inflammation and boosts your immune system. So make sure you're incorporating whole fresh fruit, including the skin, daily! Juices are an excellent complement to a healthy lifestyle; however, we also encourage you to eat your fruit for gut-friendly fiber.

Consuming apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been thought to help prevent respiratory infections and boost immunity when taken regularly. Additionally, ACV is rich in polyphenols, which could help reduce cold and flu symptoms.

ACV is the star in Sippin’ on Ginger Juice

Whether you are currently fighting an infection or you want to set yourself up for a healthy year to prevent sickness for you and your family, consider incorporating the rainbow of fruits and vegetables into your diet with a combination of whole, fresh and cold-pressed juices.

At Midwest Juicery, we offer a wide variety of cold-pressed juices packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants to meet all of your health and wellness needs, with 40% less sugar!

It is also important to note that while diet plays a vital role in boosting immunity and overall health, let's not forget to mention it is just one piece of the healthy lifestyle puzzle. Don't forget to include daily exercise, good quality sleep, reduction in stress, and sunshine. 

When you incorporate Midwest Juicery's high quality, USDA organic, cold-pressed juices into a long-term healthy lifestyle, you can be sure that you will be on your way to increased energy, vitality, a reduction in seasonal illnesses and prevention of certain diseases.

But don't take our word for it!

Check out our subscription boxes, or if you are a first-timer, use code NewYear2022 for 15% off your first order and stay tuned for some new product releases designed with immune-enhancing ingredients next month.