1. Loaded Tzatziki

Immune Enhancing Ingredients: Yogurt, cucumber, fresh dill, raw garlic, extra virgin olive oil

Another potent anti inflammatory dish that is eaten often in Greece. Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics, a microorganism that is essential for a healthy gut microbiome which is essential for immunity. Raw garlic is a potent anti viral and an anti-inflammatory.

Fresh dill is a great source of vitamin C, which is good for the immune system. Olive oil, especially fresh is an anti-inflammatory.

 2. Horta with Potatoes

Immune Enhancing Ingredients: greens (Swiss chard, spinach, etc.), potatoes, garlic, lemon, extra virgin olive oil

Swiss Chard is one of the richest sources of betalain, an antioxidant that can increase immunity. Just one cup of Swiss Chard gives you almost half of your daily requirement of Vitamin A. Spinach is high in Vitamin C plus antioxidants that may help the immune system. Garlic has potent anti viral qualities and lemon juice is high in Vitamin C. Olive oil, as mentioned is a strong anti-inflammatory, especially fresh extra virgin olive oil.

3. Golden Milk (with almond milk)

Immune Enhancing Ingredients: Ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and honey.

This is a delicious way to get in some super healthy ingredients (and it only takes 5 minutes to make). Ginger is both an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory and turmeric has a compound called curcumin which helps boost the immune system. Honey, especially raw and local can also help increase immunity.

4. Green Beans with Lean Pork

Immune Enhancing Ingredients: Green beans, chicken, tomatoes, carrots, celery and extra virgin olive oil.

Tomatoes, green beans and carrots are high in antioxidants, celery is an anti- inflammatory as is the extra virgin olive oil

5. Sautéed Red Peppers with Capers

Immune Enhancing Ingredients: peppers, garlic, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil

Another immunity powerhouse, this recipe is full of antioxidants of different varieties. Peppers are packed with vitamin C which is essential for the immune system.

Balsamic vinegar is packed with polyphenols while capers are one of the highest sources of quercetin, which has been shown to decrease both inflammation and help with the immune system Quercetin has been shown to be an antiviral

6. Sautéed Red Peppers with Capers

Immune Enhancing Ingredients: Raw garlic, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil

Lebanese hummus is the definition of an immune system powerhouse. Raw garlic has been shown to potentially decrease the amount of time you get a cold and it has potential anti-viral qualities. Both tahini and chickpeas are loaded with zinc and magnesium and lemon juice is high in vitamin C. Olive oil is also is an anti-inflammatory and is high in antioxidants.

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7. Maple Sweet Potatoes

Immune Enhancing Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, paprika.

Sweet Potatoes are high in beta carotene which is a precursor to vitamin A and vitamin A has been shown to be helpful with the immune system. Olive oil, as previously mentioned is an anti-inflammatory: decreased inflammation equals improved immune system.

Paprika has been shown to protect against certain autoimmune conditions

To Sum It Up

The immune system is an interactive network of organs, cells and proteins that protect the body from viruses and bacteria or any foreign substances.

When the immune system is working properly, you don’t even notice it. It’s when the performance of the immune system is compromised that you face illness..

Plants, herbs, minerals, foods and lifestyle changes can be used to prevent and fight infections due to their antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.

And the foods in the Mediterranean diet can help you boost your immunity 

How to get started?

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