Here, we’ve pulled together three of the top ingredients recommended by dietitians that are a step above what you might be used to when it comes to preparing for cold and flu season. Yerba mate contains multiple nutrients that contribute to a strong immune system, including vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc. “It’s also a warm, soothing drink that can be sipped throughout the day if you’re feeling a bit under the weather, without the fear of unwanted jittery energy,” Keri says. It can also be mixed with cashew milk for a slightly sweet beverage for morning sipping or whipped up into an energy-boosting smoothie to help beat the afternoon slump. Ginger has many health benefits—including (but not limited to) boosting your immunity—so it’s a smart idea to incorporate it into your daily nutrition routine. While ginger can be consumed fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, juiced, or powdered, for people who are unsure how to add it into their diets, Maya says the easiest way is to reach for a low-sugar ginger beer or gingery kombucha. “While ingesting elderberry extract or syrup is totally safe, don’t go picking the berries and popping them in your mouth—they need to be cooked,” says Glassman. “Your best bet is to buy an organic, high-quality syrup or extract.” Also, don’t expect a spoonful of syrup to address other habits that might be wreaking havoc on your body’s defenses, like lack of sleep or chronic stress, but adding elderberry to your daily routine could be a strategy worth trying. RELATED: 3 Incredibly Easy Ways to Boost Your Energy With Food
