Foods to help boost immunity amidst coronavirus crisis
With flu season approaching, and the coronavirus outbreak worsening in Australia, keeping healthy is at the forefront of many people's minds.
Nutritionist Dr Joanna McMillan has offered up key recipes that can help to ward of colds and viruses.
READ MORE: Coronavirus hygiene: The best way to wash your hands
Today host Karl Stefanovic served as sous-chef. Today
"We're all panicking about the virus, and we're coming into flu season," McMillan explained.
"If your body is strong and you have a strong immune system, you are much better able to fight them off, the severity of the disease is less, and you can get rid of it more quickly."
Breakfast
For breakfast McMillan said she is a fan of oats.
"They are great for the immune system because they have what are called prebiotic fibres.
Oats can even be taken for a meal on the go! Today
"They boost the growth of the really good bugs inside your gut. That is a big influence on your immune system. So if you soak the oats overnight, the colour is coming from cinnamon."
McMillan recommends soaking the oats either in milk, juice or water overnight to give it an extra kick, and topping it with fresh fruit and vegetables.
"Do some fresh berries, almonds, mango, peppitas, banana… whatever you choose to have on top."
Lunch.
When it comes to lunchboxes, McMillan said you can't go past the sandwich for the versatility.
Presenting, the cold-fighting lunch box! Today
"Try and get some veggies in there. We want all these immune- boosting ingredients from things like the hummus with fresh veggies.
"We have got some home-made muesli bars that are lovely. Include… fresh fruit. You need to get vitamin C every single day."
Dinner
For dinner McMillan recommends a soup featuring chicken and vegetables.
However, before she could explain why further she was distracted by Today host Karl Stefanovic, who accidentally put parsley and chili in her tea recipe.
Host Ally Langdon said: "You had one job. He made it. Let's make him drink it."
Ever game, Stefanovic took a sip and quickly had to leave set due to the amount of chili he had put in there.
This is the face of someone who has made a spicy mistake. Today
Stefanovic was forced to leave set and was later filmed running into Nine's bathrooms. Today
"Reminds me of a pie I had a couple of years ago," he said.
"Woah, that's hot."
Joanna McMillan's book 'Feel Good Family Food Guide' is available now from all good book retailers.
We’d love to hear from you
