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Strengthen Your Immune Health with Four Key Habits

As the fall season approaches, the familiar sounds of coughing and sneezing fill the air, signaling the onset of cold and flu season. While it's unfortunately impossible to eliminate the risk of falling ill, adopting specific healthy habits can make a significant difference in boosting your immune system's defenses. Here are four everyday actions you can take for better immune health:

1. Maintain Hand Hygiene

Washing your hands may seem like a simple task, yet it's one of the most effective defenses against sickness. Make it a regular part of your routine: use warm, soapy water, and scrub your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to clean under your nails, around your wrists, and on the back of your hands. After rinsing, dry them completely with a clean towel to remove any lingering germs.

2. Eat a Nutritious Diet

What you eat plays a crucial role in your immune health. Incorporate lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains into your diet. A standout option is fresh California grapes. Packed with valuable plant compounds, grapes are not only delicious but also come with antioxidant properties that are essential for optimal health. When you include items like grapes in your diet, you're supporting your cells' health, which ultimately promotes a robust immune system. For an easy way to enjoy grapes, consider adding them to your meals, such as in a vibrant Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad, where they pair beautifully with roasted beets and leafy greens.

3. Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals

Though it may appear obvious, steering clear of sick individuals is critical during the cold and flu season. When friends, family, or colleagues are ill, limit your interactions where possible, and avoid touching the surfaces they come in contact with. After you've had contact with someone sick, remember to wash your hands and disinfect commonly touched surfaces. This simple practice can help to reduce your exposure to viruses and bacteria.

4. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial to keeping your immune system functioning well, even as the temperatures drop. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your body's defenses. Incorporating hydrating foods like grapes, which contain approximately 82% water, can further assist you in meeting your hydration goals. A well-hydrated body is better equipped to fend off illness.

These practices, when made part of your daily routine, can contribute significantly to your immune health. Consider discussing any health concerns with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice on how to enhance your immune system.

Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to incorporate healthy grapes into your diet:

Ingredients:

• - 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• - 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• - 1 tablespoon honey
• - 2 cups peeled and sliced red and yellow beets
• - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• - 3 cups halved California grapes
• - 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
• - 2 green onions, sliced
• - 4 cups baby arugula
• - Freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, and honey. Set aside.
3. Arrange the sliced beets on the baking sheet, drizzle with the remaining oil, sprinkle with salt, and mix well. Spread them in a single layer and roast for about 25 minutes, or until tender. Let cool.
4. Toss the grapes and pumpkin seeds in the prepared dressing. Add the cooled beets, green onions, and arugula, and gently mix. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.

This vibrant salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also enriches your body with immune-boosting nutrients, ensuring you stay healthy throughout the season. For more tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.