5 Uncommon Immunity Boosting Foods For The Quarantine

At Sun & Sand Sports, we are dedicated to making your quarantine as healthy as possible. The home workout series was meant to strengthen you from the outside. Now, we focus on how to bolster you from the inside.

Staying indoors for long can be a challenge and leads to munching on snacks more often than not. But that isn’t necessarily bad. We have previously shared some of the best ways to boost your immune system. Continuing on the health series, we present 5 uncommon immunity boosting foods that further strengthen your natural defenses.

1. Blueberries:
   They are chockfull of anti-oxidants, specifically a flavonoid called anthocyanin which super-charges the immune system. Flavonoids reduce the risk of an upper respiratory tract infection from microbes. Substitute these for a pack of candies and feel your immune system level up.
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2. Nigella Seeds:
   These powerhouse seeds sound mythical but they have been proven to have anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties. It known to help with Asthama, cancer and other immunity boosting effects. Just a pinch once or twice a day is sufficient.
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3. Salmon:
   Along with being rich in quality protein, salmon and oily fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, selenium and the antioxidant Astaxanthin; all of which keep the body functioning in top gear.
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4. Dark Chocolate:
   Dark chocolate (75% and above cocoa) contains theobromine, which protects the body’s cells from free radicals – molecules that the body produces when it breaks down food or comes into contact with pollutants. Dark chocolate is high in calories and saturated fat, so it is important to eat it in moderation.
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5. Spinach:
   Spinach boosts the immune system, with the many essential nutrients and antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, Vitamin C and E, which stimulate the immune system. Toss it up in a salad and snack away.
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Talal Alalami, Performance Director at @aisathleticsuae and UAE 100/200m Sprinter, has shared some of his tips that curb cravings and help maintain fitness during the quarantine.

Super Juices For A Super You

Juicing is a fun way to enjoy health benefits – to derive maximum benefit with little effort. All that is required is a juicer/blender. Below are some of the juices that will power up your immune system.

1. Strength Serum

1 apple
4 stalks celery
1 bunch of parsley (stems included)

• Apple: Protects cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage
• Celery: Possesses anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties
• Parsley: Freshens breath and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc which plays crucial role in immune system function

2. Orange Jolt

3–4 carrots
2 oranges
1 teaspoon cardamom powder

• Carrot: Stocked with vitamins A, C, E, carotenoids, and polyphenols
• Orange: Well-known for their high level of vitamin C, a powerful anti-virulent
• Cardamom: Contains eucalyptol, an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-microbial and antioxidant property

3. Crimson Fury

2 medium-sized beets
1/4 medium-sized purple cabbage
4 fresh plums

• Beets: Loaded with dietary nitrates, a part of your toxin defense system
• Purple cabbage: Prevent oxidative stress in your cellular system, initiates detoxification and stimulates the immune system
• Plums: High in polyphenols that are strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidants

4. Super Green

1 bunch of kale
1 cucumber
1 pear

• Kale: Contains the immune-boosting vitamin C and high antioxidant levels
• Pear: Another great source of vitamin C
• Cucumber: Contain a range of antioxidants with a gentle flavor

5. Golden Spice

1-inch piece of fresh turmeric
1-inch piece of fresh ginger
1 lemon (juice only)
A pinch of black pepper
Add honey as sweetener for taste

• Turmeric: The go-to anti-bacterial and anti-fungal substance, filled with polyphenols and flavonoids
• Ginger: Renowned for anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties
• Lemon: A universal anti-bacterial and anti-microbial with tons of vitamin C 
• Black pepper: Piperine in black pepper helps in absorption of curcumin (the active ingredient with all health benefits) in turmeric

These were our picks but do feel free to come up with healthy drinks. Share your juicing journey with us on @sunsandsports. Bottoms up!