Page 2 - ROOT Jan Feb 24

SEAsonal highLIghts:

STAY WELL THIS WINTER
’Tis the season of cold and flu. In a perfect Consume inflammation-fighting foods.
world, we would live and work in sterile Reducing inflammation in the body improves
environments. Unfortunately, the reality is many bodily functions, including the immune
that during the colder months, we’re crowded response. Eating foods that fight inflammation,
inside heated places without much ventilation. such as garlic, turmeric, olive oil, and avocados,
strengthens your body’s defenses.
The best way to protect ourselves against the
viruses that cause common winter illnesses There’s no foolproof way to stay healthy,
is by keeping surfaces and hands clean and but the best offense is a good defense. A
strengthening our immune systems. Besides strong immune system is the best way to
washing our hands properly, here are a few fight winter ailments.
realistic ways to pump up our body’s natural
defenses: Source:
Eat foods rich in omega-3 fats, such as https://health.clevelandclinic.org/food-to-boost-
mackerel, chia seeds, and walnuts. your-immune-system/
Take in probiotics. The microbes that https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/
live in the gut support the immune system. hometown-health/speaking-of-health/fight-off-the-
Supplements and fermented foods like kefir, flu-with-nutrients
sauerkraut, and yogurt are great sources of
probiotics.

pROduce pick: CHICKPEAS
The chickpea is one of the earliest cultivated or mash them for dishes like falafel, hummus,
legumes. The most common types are round or burgers. Roasted chickpeas also make a
and beige, but there are also black, green, or tasty standalone snack.
red varieties. Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, Before eating chickpeas, wash, soak, and
are protein-rich and popular in Mediterranean, cook them, as raw chickpeas may contain
Indian, and Middle Eastern foods.
hard-to-digest compounds. If you’re short
Chickpeas are rich in folate, manganese, fiber, on time, canned versions are convenient.
and protein. Because of the fiber and protein Those watching their salt intake can opt
in chickpeas, these legumes can regulate for a low-sodium version or rinse canned
blood sugar levels, aid digestion, and reduce chickpeas to reduce salt content.
risks for chronic diseases like heart disease, Source:
certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
Chickpeas offer diverse ways to enjoy them. articles/280244#risks
Their high protein content makes them an https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/
excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans chickpeas-nutrition-benefits#TOC_TITLE_
who may need more of this nutrient. You can HDR_10
include chickpeas in salads, soups, and stews