SAN ANTONIO -- The threat of swine flu is making a comeback putting many immunity-boosting foods in high demand. But we wanted to know if those products that promise this immune-boosting power are really helping your health.
Clinical Nutritionist Kay Spears says not to judge a book by its cover. Read the labels. The first few ingredients make up the bulk of the product. So if the first few ingredients include sugar,
MSG, or other harmful toxins, it’s probably not a good choice for your health.
“Advertising is a great way to make something sound like it’s good,” Spears says.
And if you have trouble pronouncing the names of some ingredients on the label, chances are they’re not good for you.
Cocoa Krispies, a cereal often popular with children, claims it can help support your child’s immunity. Critics say that adding vitamins to a product doesn’t necessarily make them healthier.
For example, Spears points out a can of “healthy” canned chicken-noodle soup. She turns the can over and notes MSG as a key ingredient on the label.
“[There’s] a lot of preservatives here that are going to be harmful to the immune system rather than strengthening the immune system,” Spears says.
She also advises to stay away from sugary vitamin water or concentrated fruit juices. Spears suggests avoiding foods that have added nutrients; and instead go for a power-packed diet like yogurt.
“It provides the digestive system with probiotics to fight off infections,” Spears recommends.
So the rule of thumb is stick with fresh foods first. Frozen, second, and don’t forget to add colorful fruits and vegetables to your plate, like berries and broccoli.
