Believe it or not, salmon is loaded in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that all help to improve immune function. Whether you prefer it smoked and on a bagel with cream cheese, or grilled and sitting next to roasted potatoes and asparagus, there are so many ways you can reap all of the fatty fish’s immune-boosting benefits.
Below, we showcase four key nutrients that help you keep your immune system in tip-top shape
3. Provides a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Offers a good source of magnesium.
If you’re at a restaurant and you’re between chicken with a side of steamed veggies or salmon as the main, we recommend opting for the fatty fish. Especially if you’re trying to strengthen your immune system.
When it comes to staying healthy, supporting your immune system is a wise move. At all times of the year, viruses and germs can quickly lead to the cold, flu, or a host of other illnesses. In addition to common best practices (such as hand washing and physical distancing), immune-boosting teas proactively prevent sickness with all-natural ingredients.
Knowing which immune booster tea has the best ingredients and flavor can save time and money, and deliver the best results. Yogi Echinacea Immune Support is our top pick because it has a pleasant mint flavor, it is USDA-certified organic and it uses a powerful blend of herbs to boost the immune system.
No two immune-boosting drinks are made the same. This is also true when it comes to immune-booster tea. Common ingredients include elderberry, peppermint leaf, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), echinacea, yarrow flower, ginger, and lemon. Each tea can have a varying list of ingredients, so read the label before purchasing. Those who have sensitivities, allergies, or who are taking medication should be extra mindful of what is in their chosen immune-boosting tea.
Taste
It is fairly common for immune-boosting teas to contain flavors that are relatively strong. Peppermint, spearmint, ginger, and other potent herbs can be off-putting to some individuals. However, there are quite a few teas created to have mild flavors. When looking for a go-to tea, ensure the taste profile sounds appealing to you.
Certifications
Immune booster teas can be awarded almost every kind of food and beverage certification available. This includes USDA organic certification, Non-GMO Project verification, and kosher certification. Teas also can be labeled as gluten-free, vegan, and sustainable. If there are specific certifications that are important to you, check for these on the box or in the product description.
What to look for in a quality immune-booster tea
All-natural ingredients
Highly-rated tea brands do not put artificial ingredients in their immune-boosting blends. Be aware that there are some companies that manufacture teas with artificial sweeteners and other chemicals. Teas containing artificial ingredients are often of lower quality and should be avoided.
Multiple immune-boosting ingredients
Top immune-booster teas combine a variety of ingredients shown to support the immune system. Blends that strategically combine herbs for this purpose often deliver the best results. Look for teas that list two or more primary immune-boosting ingredients.
Caffeine-free
For some individuals, caffeine can produce adverse effects in low quantities. According to MedlinePlus, excess caffeine consumption can lead to dehydration, headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. All of these side effects are counterproductive to boosting the immune system and preventing illness. This is why it is essential to purchase a tea blend that is caffeine-free.
Vitamin C
For decades, vitamin C has been recognized as a powerful ally of the immune system. Quality immune-booster teas often add vitamin C – or ingredients containing vitamin C – to further elevate the blend’s capabilities.
How much you can expect to spend on an immune-booster tea
One box of immune-boosting tea containing 16 bags typically costs $3-$6.
Immune booster tea FAQ
Does immune-boosting tea really work?
A. Highly-rated immune-boosting teas contain ingredients that have been proven to help the immune system ward off common illnesses such as the cold and flu.
Should you ask your doctor about drinking immune-boosting tea if you’re taking medication?
A. Yes. If you have any concerns about drug interactions, always consult with your doctor before consuming herbal tea.
Should you drink immune-boosting tea only if you’re sick?
A. No. While your immune system will certainly welcome the support when you’re feeling sick, drinking this tea proactively is a good idea.
Besides depending on the avocado as its main ingredient, guacamole has another thing in common with the fruit from which it is made: Both seem fresh and bright green at first, but look away for a second and they turn an unappetizing brown color. While this hue that both avocados and guacamole quickly take on may make it seem like they have gone bad, that is not actually the case.
According to Food Network, if the guacamole has been stored in a refrigerator for no more than three days, the dip — even if brown in color — is absolutely safe to eat. The site explains that the brown color comes from a process called oxidization. Much like an apple, when an avocado is sliced into, its enzymes react with oxygen in a way that the surface area exposed to it becomes brown. This is perhaps why you’ll only ever see the top layer of the guacamole turn brown whereas the dip beneath it is usually still a vibrant green color.
While the hue certainly changes, oxidization affects neither the flavor of the food nor its nutritional value, which is why it’s perfectly safe to eat. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that the mucky color is not a particularly pleasant sight to dig into, and so, with the help of a few tricks, you can stop your guacamole from oxidizing and turning brown.
Some, like food site Eat This, Not That! suggest placing an avocado pit on top of homemade or store-bought guacamole to prevent it from turning brown. Others, however, argue that there are far better and more foolproof ways to do this. Pure Wow claims that using lemons and limes is the preferred way — the acidity will react with browning enzymes much before oxygen does to prevent the guacamole from browning. They suggest brushing the citrus juice over the guacamole before storing it
A layer of olive oil, cooking spray, or water on top of the guacamole can also act as a barrier between the dip and oxygen. Tightly wrapping the dip in plastic wrap so that no oxygen gets trapped in between the two layers is another option. Real Simple cautions that citrus juices greatly change the taste of the dip, plastic seals are hard to wrap tight, and avocado pits are quite frankly useless in this situation. Instead, they found that a layer of water works best and leaves behind little to no discoloration without affecting the taste and texture of the creamy dip. Today also vouches for the water method and deems it the “most effective” of all to stop guacamole from oxidizing and changing its color.
