The British foods that support a healthy immune system Staying healthy and keeping our immune systems strong is an important goal all year round, but it becomes especially important in the winter months. So what kind of fresh, British foods should we be focussing on right now? We spoke to expert nutritionist, Dr Lucy Williamson, to find out. “Oily fish like British Trout is one of the few foods to be high in Vitamin D – vital for our immune system, particularly during winter when we’re getting less sun which is where 95% of our Vitamin D supply comes from,” says Lucy. “Its delicate pink flesh is thanks to antioxidants which also provide Vitamin A, and together with its heart-healthy unsaturated Omega 3 oils, are equally important for a healthy immune system. Add to that increasing research showing potential benefits on mood and mental health disorders associated with marine Omega 3, and British Trout really is a truly nutritious winter-food.” British Trout is produced by farmers who are passionate about their industry, and who provide vital employment for our rural communities. The growing focus on marine and animal wellbeing, coupled with sustainable farming methods, ensures British Trout is recognised for its minimal impact on the environment. It’s also particularly delicious in a soba noodle salad with a side of roasted brassicas!.
British grains and pulses provide an excellent source of fibre which helps to nurture our all-important gut bacteria. Maintaining our gut health, or ‘microbiome’, is essential for developing a robust immune system. “As humans, we evolved from bacteria, so it’s no surprise we need them,” says Lucy. “Eating fibre-rich foods that ferment in our colon helps us to nurture our billions of gut bacteria. “These bacteria not only provide the building blocks for serotonin, our ‘happiness hormone’, and influence our mood via our gut-brain axis – but they also support our immune system to protect against inflammatory diseases, including bowel cancer.” Learn more ICSAcookeryschools.org 49
