When chillier nights roll around, it’s time to prepare for cold and flu season. One food you should definitely consider adding to your diet is salmon. Experts believe it can help support your immune system during this time.
Dr. Kaushik Govindaraju, an internal medicine physician, notes that boosting your immune system can reduce the duration of illness. Protein is a critical part of that. “Antibodies, which protect us from infections, are made of proteins,” he explains. Eating enough protein helps build strength and energy—both essential for fighting off sickness.
Salmon shines not just because of its protein content but also its omega-3 fatty acids. Vanessa Imus, a registered dietitian, highlights that these fatty acids can enhance immune cell function. Research published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research shows how omega-3s improve the body’s ability to defend itself.
Another standout feature of salmon is its vitamin D content. During the winter months, sunlight, a natural source of vitamin D, is limited. This vitamin is vital for maintaining an optimal immune system, as supported by studies in Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Eating salmon can help offset the winter dip in vitamin D, keeping your immune defenses strong.
Salmon also contains zinc, a mineral important for immune health. Low levels of zinc can lead to problems fighting infections, according to research in Frontiers in Nutrition. Although salmon doesn’t have a large amount, every bit contributes to overall health.
Incorporating salmon into your meals during the colder months could be a delicious and smart way to bolster your immunity. Eating nutrient-rich foods like this might make all the difference when flu season arrives.
For more on the benefits of foods rich in nutrients, you can check out resources like Prevention and Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.
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content-type: How-to & Service,locale: US,displayType: standard article,shortTitle: The Number-1 Food to Eat This Cold and Flu Season,contentId: a700fa03-8606-4e3a-a9a8-3e573dabb759
