Here we are, summer of 2020……We are “phasing” into opening the world back up, and beginning to venture out more and more. You may be wondering how to keep yourself protected and safe beyond hand washing, social distancing, and mask wearing. I’ve got your back with a list of highly effective antiviral foods to include in your everyday meals! These common foods work incredible magic in our bodies to keep us healthy, and keep nasty viruses from invading our cells. Read on…..

It’s scary to comprehend a virus floating around out there potent enough to keep us out of work, our children out of school, and the world pretty much shut down. The great news is, if we treat it right, our body is designed to protect us from viruses, and nature provides us with everything we need!

Here are 7 amazing antiviral foods that are a must have in every kitchen:

1. Elderberry- Elderberry fights infections, and is actually used as a treatment for the flu and other viral infections. 
2. Echinacea – Echinacea reduces viral infections, and inhibits viruses and bacteria from invading healthy cells. — supplement with elderberry, echinacea and vitamin C daily.
3. Garlic – I love garlic! Not only does it make everything taste great, it’s also nothing short of magical. Garlic contains an agent called “allicin” that is an effective killer of microorganisms responsible for infections. Garlic is also antibacterial, AND anti fungal! Garlic is most effective chopped and raw, or cooked minimally
4. Black Walnuts- contain potent anti fungal, antimalarial, antibacterial and antiviral properties, so sprinkle them on everything!
5. Ginger- Is well known for its ability to specifically fight respiratory infections. You can use ginger root raw or cooked in meals, juices and smoothies. 
6. Turmeric – contains high concentrations of circumin, which inhibits virus replication. Turmeric should be paired with black pepper to increase absorption.
7. Coconuts, Coconut water and Coconut Oil- Contain lauric acid which can kill or inactivate viruses. 

By including these powerhouse antivirals in your daily meals, and pairing them with foods high in vitamin C and antioxidants, you are setting the stage for a healthy and resilient body.  Below is a recipe that incorporates nearly all of these virus fighting, immune boosting foods in one quick, easy and amazingly delicious dish! Enjoy with a cup of green tea for an additional antiviral boost!

Garlic Ginger Stir Fry

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• ½ large yellow onion sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper cut into match sticks
• 1 large carrot peeled and sliced diagonally
• 1 medium head broccoli chopped into florets
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger peeled and grated
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
• 3 tablespoons liquid aminos*
• 2 tablespoons red chili pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped black walnuts

Instructions

1. NOTE: If serving the meal with quinoa, begin cooking it following package instructions before you chop the vegetables. I find 1 cup of dry quinoa yields the perfect amount of cooked rice for serving the stir fry.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a large wok or skillet to medium-high. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and ginger, and saute, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes. While vegetables are cooking, cut chicken breasts into thin strips.
3. Move the vegetables off to one side of the wok/skillet and add the chicken and garlic. Allow chicken to brown 3 minutes before stirring it into the rest of the stir fry. Add the liquid aminos and pepper. Cover and cook 5 to 8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Taste stir fry and add sea salt or additional liquid aminos to taste. Serve over cooked quinoa or brown rice.