Why choose plant protein? Nutrition to support your immunity

The immune system is your body’s defence system. It protects you against pathogens, like viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, that can cause disease, keeping them in balance with the health-promoting microbes of your microbiota, the ‘friendly’ bacteria, yeasts, and fungi occurring throughout your body.

Signs your immune system is not as healthy as it should be:

• Frequent or persistent colds or flu-like viruses

• Severe hay-fever or other allergies

• Autoimmune conditions

Nutrients for a healthy immune system

The foundation for a healthy immune system is a good diet that provides sufficient energy, essential fats, protein and micronutrients. Diets that are high in processed and refined foods, and especially those high in trans-fats and sugar, could worsen responses to infections as the result of varying factors including increased inflammation, down-regulated immune responses, and microbiota dysbiosis.

In addition, many nutrients have been shown to help support immune health, such as:

Omega-3 fats – help to support the immune system and healthy circulation in conjunction with the ‘proinflammatory’ omega 6 fats. Omega 3 fats are found in fatty fish and in vegan sources like flaxseeds and in algae.

Vitamin A – intricately involved in immune health and sufficient vitamin A associated with the immune response to illness and infections.

Vitamin E – supports immune health and healthy circulation.

Vitamin D – a key immune system supporter.

Antioxidants – compounds found in foods that scavenge and neutralise free radicals in the body thus protecting our cells from damage.

Nuzest Good Green Vitality is a high quality multi-nutrient supplement that contains many of these immunesupporting nutrients. With vitamin C, D, E, A, as well as zinc, probiotics, turmeric and rosemary, one daily serve of Good Green Vitality will provide your body with a combination of nutrients that will work synergistically together to support your immune health.

Tropa-colada whey protein shake

INGREDIENTS:

• 500ml coconut water (unsweetened)

• 2 tbsp lite coconut milk

• 2 pineapple slices (canned, in natural juice)

METHOD:

• 2 scoops (28g) Balance 100%

Whey Vanilla Protein Powder

• 2 scoops (5g) Nutra-Life Ultra

Strength Vit C 3000mg + Vit D +

Zinc Powder

• Ice cubes to serve

1. Place all ingredients in a high powered blender and blitz until smooth and creamy

2. Pour into serving glasses, add ice cubes for a refreshing tropical shake - enjoy!

Balance 100% Whey Vanilla Protein Powder 1kg for $87.90

PRANAON Power Plant Protein 500g now $46.74 was $54.99 1.2kg now $82.44 was $96.99

Vitamin C – contrary to popular belief, vitamin C probably won’t cure the common cold. However, research suggests that it might help to support recovery in athletes and others prone to higher levels of stress when taken regularly.

Dark Chocolate Spirulina Energy Balls

15%

NUZEST

Good Green Vitality 120g now $38.25 was $45 300g now $89.25 was $105 750g now $182.75 was $215

These energy balls are packed with protein from Lifestream’s Spirulina Bioactive powder to support your energy levels throughout the day. Give it a try!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup raisins

• 1 orange (peeled)

• 1 cup cashews

• 1 cup coconut

• 1/2 cup cacao powder

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 tsp Lifestream Spirulina Bioactive powder

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

• 1 cup coconut for coating - other options include buckwheat groats, crushed nuts, chia seed, or hemp seeds

Blitz ingredients in a blender to a dough-like consistency. Form into small balls and roll in coconut. Store in the fridge or freezer.

Lifestream Spirulina Bioactive 100g now $27.11 was $31.90