An expert from John Theurer Cancer Center shares three recipes to help fight winter’s germs.
Winter opens its arms to the cold and flu season. Although the best way to prevent getting sick is to get a flu shot, be meticulous about hand-washing and practice safe food handling, eating foods that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients can help nourish the immune system and fight germs.
These three recipes highlight some key ingredients with powerful germ-fighting, health-promoting properties.
The steamy warmth of a rich chicken stock does more than clear the sinuses and provide old-fashioned comfort. Study findings have shown that the amino acids in chicken soup can help ward off colds by reducing inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. This recipe includes some ginger and lemon. Ginger not only fights inflammation but also eases nausea, and lemon provides a touch of acidity to help extract more minerals from the chicken bones. Slow cooking over 3 to 6 hours helps break down the collagen (protein) into gelatin, which is easy on the stomach. Sip the stock on its own as a hydrating liquid, or use it as the base of a hearty soup that includes lots of other tasty, antioxidant-rich vegetables and herbs. When making the stock, remember to observe food safety. After straining the stock into a container, let it sit in a sink filled with ice water to bring down the temperature quickly and keep it out of the temperature danger zone. Refrigerate in quart-size containers for up to three days or freeze for six months.
The grapefruit and avocado salad looks summertime fresh but is winter tough. Red grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C and lycopene, both of which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assistance in fighting colds. The avocado’s creamy counterbalance to the tartness of the grapefruit also contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, which boost absorption of carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Almonds contribute crunch, protein, fiber and vitamin E, another antioxidant. Any dark leafy greens can form the foundation of this salad — all are nutrient rich. Don’t forget to scrub the outside of the grapefruit and avocado before cutting into them; otherwise dirt and germs can contaminate the fruit inside. Can’t eat grapefruit? Substitute Cara Cara (navel oranges) or blood oranges for similar nutrients and a colorful pop.
The combination of turmeric, garlic and ginger in Golden Confetti Cabbage is a trifecta of medicinal herbal delicious­ness. Many of the health benefits of the anti-inflammatory compounds in turmeric are attributed to curcumin, one of its constituents. The sulfur compounds in garlic and their positive effects on circulation and cardiovascular health are well studied. In Indian and Asian cultures, anti-inflammatory ginger also is known as a “warming spice” that can help detoxify harmful chemicals. Cruciferous vegetables have stood the test of time in cancer-prevention studies, and cabbage’s polyphenols, vitamin C and manganese exhibit strong antioxidant activity to reduce oxidative stress and cancer risk. This dish, with its colorful and flavorful mix of red onions, orange carrots and green cabbage, ensures that many beneficial nutrients are represented at the table.
A germ-free environment does not exist, but a strong immune system, fueled by delicious and nutritious ingredi­ents, can help promote good health all winter long.
Chicken Stock
Makes 4 quarts
Ingredients
About 4 pounds chicken parts (e.g., a carcass from a roasted chicken or purchased rotisserie chicken, cooked or roasted feet, wings, backbone or necks)
3 carrots
3 stalks celery
1 large unpeeled onion, washed well and quartered
1 whole garlic clove
1-inch knob ginger, peeled but not sliced
1/2 lemon, skin scrubbed
2 teaspoons peppercorns
Handful of fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, dill and parsley)
1 bay leaf
2 gallons cold water
Directions
Tossed Green Salad with Grapefruit & Avocado
Makes 6 servings
Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a main course salad.
Salad Ingredients
1 large ruby red or pink grapefruit
5-ounce package mixed baby greens (e.g., spinach, kale, arugula and romaine)
1 ripe avocado, cut in wedges
3 green onions, thinly sliced, including white and green parts (about 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Dressing Ingredients
1/4 cup combined of fresh lemon juice and reserved grapefruit juice
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
Golden Confetti Cabbage
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium red onions, finely sliced (2 cups)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons peeled and grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
3 large carrots, grated (about 2 cups)
2 to 2 1/2 pounds savoy cabbage, quartered, cored and thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Robin McConnell is the supervisor of clinical nutrition services at the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center part of the Hackensack Meridian Health system in Hackensack, New Jersey. She is a board certified specialist in oncology nutrition.
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