We’re certainly not saying that taking superfoods will protect you from the coronavirus, but the team here are trying their best to keep their immune systems in as good a shape as possible, and quite rightly so. So, we thought we’d pass on some of the great advice we’ve been given over the past few weeks on this topic in the hope you will try these too.

First off, we’ve been making our own nettle tea whilst working from home, instead of cups of breakfast tea or coffee. It’s super easy to make and nettles are now beginning to appear in hedgerows, so it’s a perfect time to take 10 mins out of your day, put on some gloves, take a stroll and collect a few heads. Rinse them off when you get home and stuff them into your favourite teapot and top with hot water (just off boiling). Let your tea steep anywhere from 5 mins to 20 mins and sip throughout the day, hot or cold is fine. Nettles are a great way to boost your immune system. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals along with hefty dose of potent phytonutrients including deep-green chlorophyll and carotenoids. In fact, more than 100 chemical components have been identified in nettle, including:

• Minerals – iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, boron, strontium
• Vitamins – A, C, K, and B vitamins
• Phytonutrients – chlorophyll, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin,[4] quercetin, rutin

On top of that, one of our favourite nutritionists Denise Kelly suggests four specific superfoods that are helpful to add into your daily food consumption to keep your body fully functioning. She tells us to think of them as an insurance policy.  You can add to a smoothie, or a juice, or sprinkle on your breakfast cereal. These will support your body and boost your immunity in these stressful times:

Hemp protein powder is a high-quality plant-based protein that contains 20 amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Protein is crucial for maintaining muscles, tissues and vital organs. It also helps boost metabolism. Take 2 teaspoons per day of the powder.

Pea protein powder. As above, protein is essential for keeping the body healthy and aiding muscle growth, as well as giving extra strength. Again take 2 teaspoons a day.

Maca powder. This root is a nutrient powerhouse. It is high in protein, fiber, vitamin C, copper, iron, potassium, B6 and manganese. it is also a great source of riboflavin and niacin. Where caffeine in coffee boosts energy and stress the adrenal glands, the nutrients in Maca boost energy and support the adrenals. Adrenals regulate cortisol which is our major stress hormone. Take 1 or 2 teaspoons a day.

Turmeric. This contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that help to fight free radicals in your body. This is an essential herb when it comes to protecting your immunity.  Turmeric can support your immune function by supplying you with a healthy dose of powerful antioxidants. Add a little black pepper to the mix as it’s said to aid the absorption of turmeric. Have 2 or 3 teaspoons a day.