Like there wasn’t already enough on the plates of restaurants, cafes and food businesses - they are being tasked now to create dishes that are “healthy” given the times we are in.

While we all eagerly wait for a vaccine to come out to protect us from the Coronavirus (COVID19), consumers are looking to 1. Prevent the infection 2. Strengthen their immunity. Which revolves around-

1. Fitness
2. Mindfulness
3. Sleep
4. Diet & Nutrition

As a food tech and health tech startup - we have created a simple guideline of immunity building and strengthening foods to help recipe and menu creators in the F&B Industry -

1. Antioxidants

Antioxidants usually play the role of fighting free radicals in your body. Free radicals are linkedin to the occurrence of many diseases and illnesses such as diabetes, blood pressure, cancer etc. They also help with overabundance of inflammation in your body which results in a better immune system.

• Citrus Fruits - Grapefruit, Orange, Limes, Lemons, Clementines, Tangerines,
• Kiwi
• Red Bell Peppers
• Almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Walnuts
• Beans
• Pulses
• Garlic
• Seaweed
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Blueberries

2. Probiotics

Consuming foods that contain “good bacteria” when it comes to maintaining gut health. This can affect your body’s ability to be able to defend itself against infections.

• Yogurt
• Kombucha
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Tempeh
• Kimchi
• Miso
• Pickles
• Traditional Buttermilk
• Natto
• Cheese - mozzarella, gouda, cheddar, cottage cheese

3. Foods Rich In Zinc

Zinc is a trace element / mineral closely linked with immunity. There are multiple studies that show people with low zinc levels are further likely to catch infections. Foods rich in zinc are-

• Red Meat - Beef, Lamb, Pork
• Shellfish - Oysters, Crab, Shrimp, Mussels
• Legumes - Chickpeas, Lentils, Beans
• Seeds - Pumpkin Seeds, Squash Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds
• Nuts - Pine Nuts, Cashews, Pecans, Brazil Nuts, Almonds
• Eggs
• Grains - Wheat, Quinoa, Rice, Oats
• Vegetables - Potatoes, Sweet Potato, Green Beans, Kale, Shiitake Mushrooms, Green Peas, Spinach, Lima beans, Lentil Sprouts, Asparagus, Beet Greens, Broccoli, Okra, and Sweet corn
• Dark Chocolate

4. Dark Green & Red Vegetables

Dark green and red vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals that are essential to maintain a body’s immune system.

• Spinach
• Kale
• Collard Greens
• Romaine & Iceberg Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Red Bell Peppers / Capsicum
• Beets
• Carrots

5. Superfoods

As their name suggests - superfoods have their ‘super’ press due to the nutrient density found in these ingredients which in turn provide many health benefits including making your immune system strong.

• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Indian Gooseberry
• Matcha / Green Tea
• Moringa
• Cloves
• Cinnamon

Make sure to include these ingredients in your recipes and products and highlight their benefits to educate your customers.

NutriCal Health & Nutrition Software works as a great tool to identify the right ingredients and helps create recipes with health benefits.

Get in touch with us today to engage with our team of Nutritionists and understand how this solution could enable your business to do better.

Email us on info@nutrical.co or call / whatsapp us on + 971 52 994 1190 for more information.