Hearing your baby coughing at night is never fun. One way to prevent this from occurring is to make sure your and your little ones’ immune systems are strong. Eating organic, whole foods is one of the best ways to get the essential nutrients that the immune system needs. For the best-tasting foods, look for those that are in season, and there are many yummy, nutritional items available in February.
Oranges
When looking for the best gummy vitamins for the immune system, the vitamin you probably look for is vitamin C, as it is one of the powerful nutrients for boosting immunity. For children (and adults) that are old enough for solid foods, oranges are a great source, and they are tasty and juicy during the winter months. You can eat them whole by themselves, chop them up and add to yogurt, or juice them for breakfast.
Grapefruit
Another citrus fruit that is in season is grapefruit. Because they can be a bit tart, it helps to sprinkle some cinnamon on top. Sugar also helps sweeten this fruit, but sugar inhibits immunity, so it is best to limit its use. Other citrus fruits available in February include limes, lemons, and blood oranges.
Pears
Another fruit that is in season in February is pears. There are various varieties of pears, so you can include a wide selection to keep things interesting. These are delicious eaten fresh, but you can also cook or grill them. For babies just starting solid foods, pears are easy to puree and feed with a spoon.
Leafy Greens
There are many leafy green vegetables that are in season in February. Many varieties of greens are not only high in nutrients, but they are also low in calories. Some of the key nutrients are B vitamins; vitamins A, C, and K; iron; calcium; magnesium; potassium; and fiber.
Leafy greens to keep an eye out for this time of year include:
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Spinach
Denser leafy greens include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. There are many ways that you can use leafy greens. They are great sauteed as a side, or you can add them to soups, stews, casseroles, or even sneak them into smoothies.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are another great in-season food to incorporate into your diet. These veggies grow underground and contain a variety of immune-boosting nutrients, such as B vitamins, vitamin C, antioxidants, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and folate. Some of the root veggies you can enjoy this time of year include:
- Parsnips
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Kohlrabi
- Beets
- Carrots
- Turnips
These vegetables can also be served a variety of ways, so you can enjoy them throughout the week. Roasting and sauteing are popular preparations, and they are also great to add to soups and stews, as they are hearty.
Eating a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising are great ways to keep the immune system strong. However, when your immune system needs an extra boost, or if you have kids with picky eating habits, immune supplements, and Wellements baby immune support are good substitutes.
