Doctor says autumn superfood boosts immunity and cuts stroke risk - Surrey Live

Oct 14, 2024

A GP says we should be changing our diet as the weather gets colder, darker and wetter in a bid to boost our immunity and our heart health. Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy said: “With the risk of common illnesses, such as colds and respiratory issues, increasing in the colder months, it’s important to prioritise foods that can support the immune system."

He added: “Root vegetables are a great source of fibre, essential for digestion, regulating bowel movements and lowering the chance of stroke and other cardiovascular issues. These foods are also full of vitamins A and C, providing much-needed immune system support throughout the colder seasons.

“Additionally, root vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, parsnips and beetroot are also in season throughout Autumn, while turnips and celeriac come into season during Winter. Adopting these seasonal foods into your diet can maintain well-being and avoid deficiencies.

“While citrus fruits may seem like a summertime snack, they offer various health benefits throughout Autumn and Winter that just cannot be overlooked. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, an important nutrient for immune support and collagen production.

“In fact, vitamin C has numerous benefits and can even help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. As a result, incorporating citrus fruits into your Autumn and Winter diet is essential!

“In my opinion, whole grains should be a staple part of anyone’s diet all year round, with several essential nutrients included in these foods. Examples of whole grains include; wheat, rice and quinoa.

“Nutrients such as carbohydrates, fibre, iron and magnesium can be found in whole grains, making them a must-have choice throughout the colder seasons for additional wellbeing support.

“For calcium and protein over the Autumn and Winter periods, dairy products are go-to options. Calcium is vital for maintaining bone health while protein is required for muscle repair and growth, from eggs to butter, dairy can be an easy source of these nutrients.

“Furthermore, some dairy products, such as milk, are fortified with vitamin D, providing a much-needed nutritional boost. As vitamin D is typically attained from sunlight, fortified dairy products are extremely useful when the weather deteriorates.

“Finally, in a well-balanced Autumn and Winter diet, meat and poultry are important inclusions that come with a range of nutritional benefits. Both food types are rich sources of protein and can provide long-lasting energy throughout the day, additionally, key minerals such as zinc and iron are present in meat and poultry products.

“Overall, maintaining a balanced diet with a mixture of different food groups can ensure people receive the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.

“With the risk of specific illnesses rising in the cold weather, it’s important to prioritise well-being, ensuring the body gets all the nutrients it needs to protect itself from viruses, bacteria and other harmful conditions.”