Health officials advise us each fall to get our flu shots. Flu vaccines help reduce the severity of flu symptoms and help prevent against the virus.
Amy Jones, Food & Health Specialist from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach says beyond a shot, boosting the immune system is important, too, as we approach the winter months.
“A strong immune system is key to good health. When our immune system is well, it’s easier to fight bacteria, viruses, or anything else trying to make us sick. A healthy diet keeps our immune system in top shape. When we combine healthy eating with good hydration, plenty of sleep, regular exercise, and managing stress, we set up our immune system to be at its best.”
Jones made her comments during an appearance on the ISU Midday program last week and added that with the Thanksgiving holiday around the corner, you should try to add alcohol-free cocktails, known as mocktails, to your meal to go along with your turkey and mashed potatoes.
“With mocktails, you swap out the boozy, syrupy cocktails with fresh, flavorful, non-alcoholic ingredients that pack plenty of flavor into a glass. Here are some tips. Use widely available non-alcoholic versions of your favorite spirits. Also, skip the sugar. Use flavored seltzer water, sparkling water, or pureed fruit instead of sugar-laden soda, simple syrup, and sweet tonic water. And our last tip is to add plants. Bring flavor and color to your glass with juiced, sliced, pureed, or frozen fruits, veggies, and herbs.”
Jones says there are many mocktail recipes to find online this holiday season.
