THOOSA TIPS...FOR A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM!

We all know getting outside for a run is the perfect January fix for that post Christmas feeling. However, you can also achieve better health by simply following a few of our New Year tips. To boost your immune system you need to include heaps of infection fighting nutrients in your diet. Try to include:

ZINC

Perfect for helping to keep the immune system healthy and resistant to infections, zinc rich foods include nuts, wholegrain cereals, oysters, eggs and seeds.

BIOFLAVONOIDS

These are nutrients that boost immune responses and help speed recovery. Find these fabulous nutrients in citrus fruit.

ANTIOXIDANTS

These are health boosting compounds such as vitamin C, E and beta carotene, they can be found in loads of fruits and vegetables, best to lightly steam vegetables, as opposed to boiling them, to minimise the loss of nutrients during cooking.

GLUTATHIONE

This antioxidant strengthens the immune system and fights infection. It can be found in brassica vegetables such as kale, broccoli, spinach and cabbages, and also watermelon! Lovely.

QUERCETIN

This bioflavonoid stimulates the immune system making it stronger and you healthier. It can be found in broccoli, citrus fruit and onions.

THOOSA'S FAVOURITE FIVE ... NUTRITIONAL TIPS

This week, we have collated a list of our five favourite nutritional tips from a selection of some of our favourite health and fitness and running magazines.

1) According to Dr Carrie Ruxton, drinking four cups of milky tea a day is as hydrating as water. Good news for all tea lovers. If only cake was as healthy as carrots!

2) Cashew Nuts may be the perfect weapon to ward off afternoon fatigue. Apparently a 50g serving provides one fifth of a woman’s daily iron requirements. Kelly Holmes is a massive fan, claiming that this healthy snacked helped her stave off tiredness in the Athens Olympic in 2004. The perfect afternoon snack.

3) Cherries are the new superfood that, experts suggest, may fight off winter colds. Packed full of powerful antioxidants, research has shown that they boost immunity. Get stocked up before the cold sets in.

4) The mid-morning coffee break just got all the more important. Researchers from Coventry University have shown that several cups of strong coffee improve endurance ability and strength during low to moderate intensity activity.

5) If calorie counting, and burning, is your thing then move away from pounding the pavements and start running challenge trails. Rough terrain can burn up to 26% more calories than road running.