Best supplements for winter: The multivitamin that could help protect you against flu

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Nutritionist Elizabeth Stewart has identified six key nutrients that help support a balanced immune system. Better still, all the ingredients come packaged in one tiny pill.

Working on behalf of Vitl – a personalised vitamin subscription service – Elizabeth reveals the health-boosting ingredients you need in your diet.

Vitamin C

The first powerful antioxidant suggested by Elizabeth is vitamin C – with researchers noting its “antiviral properties”.

The research paper, published in the journal Expert Review, stated “emerging literature suggests vitamin C may play a role in the treatment of viral infections”.

Selenium

The second nutrient Elizabeth considers worthwhile to strengthen immunity is selenium.

This is backed by evidence by the team at John A Burns School of Medicine, in Hawaii, who stated selenium initiates “immunity”.

Selenium does this by “regulating inflammation”, which is beneficial to a person’s health.

Zinc

Next on the list provided by Elizabeth is zinc; another ingredient that contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.

Again, this notion is supported by the Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology in Germany.

Researcher Maria Maares confirmed the “significance of zinc for immune function has been known for several decades”.

Zinc is said to be “important for maintenance and development of immune cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system”.

Beta glucans

Following on from zinc, Elizabeth adds that “beta glucans have been shown to increase immune defences by activating cell immunity against infection”.

DON’T MISS…
Best supplements to relieve pain: Pills that could ease arthritis [RESEARCH]
The 2p a day supplements you should take to avoid dry skin in winter [STUDY]
Best supplements for hair growth: The pills that could help hair grow [ANALYSIS]

Researchers from The University of Hong Kong noted how beta glucans “act on several immune receptors”.

Beta glucans have been “implicated in the initiation of anti-microbial immune responses”.

Other immune-boosting nutrients Elizabeth mentions are: vitamin D3; elderberry; and turmeric.

“This powerful combination of nutrients is what makes up the new formula for Vitl’s all-in-one Immunity Supplement,” said Elizabeth.

For traditional diets, Elizabeth recommends eating oats, wholegrain and mushrooms, as they’re packed with beta glucans.

In addition, she revealed how shellfish and legumes are full of zinc – as are lentils and chickpeas.

Go nuts for selenium by snacking on Brazil nuts, or make a delicious meal with chicken.

For a hit of vitamin C – “one of the most important vitamins for fighting off colds and flu” – snack on oranges or strawberries.

Moreover, citrus fruits, such as lemon and lime, can be cut up and aded into a glass of water.

A balanced diet can provide everything your body needs to support its natural defences.

However, getting enough vitamins every day can be a challenge, which is why supplements can be helpful.

“Vitl’s Immunity supplements are an effective way to ensure that you are meeting your daily needs,” Elizabeth certifies.

Source: Read Full Article