FEEL A LITTLE UNDER PAR? Scientists have pinpointed nine foods that are high in flavonoids, a category of plant chemicals that lower inflammation in our bodies. Eating these foods could boost our health since, when inflammation in our bodies is too high, it can have a negative effect on our immune system. Increasing our intake of flavonoids could therefore help our bodies to be more effective at fighting infection.
Jeffrey Blumberg, of the HNRCA Antioxidant Research Laboratory in Boston, concludes, ‘Although the cause-and-effect link between food and immune function is still under investigation, having a variety of these nutrients in a healthy dietary pattern supports good health in many important ways, possibly including support for an effective immune response.’ The immune-boosting stars? Put tea, broccoli, apples, grapes, parsley, oranges, cocoa, blueberries and soya products at the top of your shopping list.