Feel the Sniffles Approaching? Zap Them with Zinc!

Beat the cold bug and support your immune system with Webber Naturals!

It's raining and the daily temperature highs are dropping. Now this feels like fall! I love almost everything about this season: the colours of the leaves, wooly socks, the smells and sounds of crackling wood fires, pumpkin pie! But the one thing I do not love about autumn is the rise and spread of that nasty, common cold!

There may be no cure but I think I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that have always helped me keep that cold at bay...or at least very minor!

Usually the day before I catch a cold, I am sneezing. I'll wake up with a scratchy throat and sneeze all day long. That tickle in my nose just won't go away. When this happens, I immediately reach for my echinacea to give my immune system that extra boost. I bundle up with those wooly socks and wrap a fleece scarf around my neck while I enjoy a hot drink of chamomile with lemon and honey (sometimes ginger). I also try aim for an early night.

But there's more to cold prevention than echinacea. Another key ingredient in the recipe to fighting colds is zinc! Zinc is a mineral that can help boost the immune system and has been shown in studies to help reduce the severity and duration of a cold. You can get your zinc through your diet by eating foods such as oysters, roast beef, pumpkin and squash seeds, toasted wheat germ and peanuts. If you're not a fan of oysters (approx. 25 mg of zinc in every 100 grams) or find that you don't eat many of the zinc-rich foods, you can try zinc supplements (always check with a doctor first). 

So if you feel that sore throat coming along try our Sunkist Zinc Throat Lozenges and give your immune system extra strength. It may not be a cure but I'll take whatever armour I can get in the battle between the body and the cold germ!

Want to know more about the supplements that keep you healthy during the chilly months? Check out our Immune Support products and get tips from naturopathic doctor and Webber Naturals expert, Quinn Hand and her post, Stocking the Medicine Cabinet!

Stay healthy and heed your sneezes! Don't let the cold bug get the better of you!

Image source: labyellow.org,

We've got some yummy blueberry muffins for you this fabulous tasty Tuesday!

How can you resist a warm blueberry muffin hot out of the oven? You can't! It's science!

This recipe comes to us from Livestrong.org and we think it's fabulous! Every once in a while you want to switch things up and get your protein powder in something other than a shake. So take a look at today's tasty recipe!

Blueberry Power Protein Muffins

STUFF YOU'LL NEED: 3 large eggs, 3 tbsp. oil, ¼ cup heavy cream (substitute light cream), 5 scoops vanilla protein powder - try PGX & Whey Protein Vanilla Powder (Hello tasty! Goodbye hunger!), 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/3 cup brown sugar (or low carb sweetener of your choice), 1 cup blueberries, ½ cup fat-free cream cheese and ¼ tsp. cinnamon.

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375 F. Line 9 muffin tins with cups and non-stick cooking spray. Mix cream cheese and cinnamon into a small bowl. Mix eggs, oil and cream in a separate bowl. Add protein powder, baking power and sugar (or sweetener) into the cream mixture, stirring thoroughly. Combine both mixtures along with the berries as you pour into the muffin tins. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the muffins begin to brown at the top.

ENJOY!

Got an awesome recipe to share? Tell us in the comments below!

Image and recipe: Livestrong.org

Looking for a new way to enjoy salads and healthy food?

This Webber Wednesday, try a salad in the jar and make salads fun again!

Salads and healthy eating really does not have to be boring. Get creative with toppings, greens, dressings and presentation! Check out this salad in a jar and stack up the freshness!

Image courtesy of Bureau of Betterment

More detailed recipe for this salad in a jar and a balsamic vinaigrette at Well Vegan.