A new trend emerging in the food and nutrition sector should come as no surprise.
“Healthy inside and out” takes cues from nature, encouraging us to think of our bodies as our gardens and tend them accordingly. Think natural nutrients, immunity-sustaining diets promoting robust digestive systems – and a healthier gut for a happier you!
“No disease that can be treated by diet should be treated by any other means.”
Maimonides (1135-1204 AD)
So many of us now have a deeper awareness of health and wellbeing in general, and mental health in particular. For some, being forced off the rat-race treadmill has encouraged a search for a lifestyle in harmony with the slower pace of nature – including nutrition, movement and spirituality.
At the core of all this? A growing understanding of the vital role played by our own, innate immune systems – and our responsibility for them. Choosing to proactively strengthen and sustain your immunity through your diet.
It’s been said that 70% of our immune system is in the gut, and the gut microbiome influences almost everything about the immune system.
Happily, you can help your immune system function correctly through the choices you make in
your diet, says nutrition advisor Karen Collins. “Your day-to-day eating habits provide many
opportunities for you to support your immune system’s power to protect you.”
Bawah general manager, Raymond Saja, is another big fan of boosting immunity through diet.
One of his favourite ingredients is aloe, which we grow here in our gardens.
Known as “the miracle plant”, the many immunity-enhancing benefits of aloe include: fighting inflammation, accelerating gut healing, and even inhibiting cancer growth.
This refreshing drink is packed with lime, honey and mint, all key immunity-supporting
ingredients. Watch Raymond talk you through how to make his "Aloe Cooler" drink here:
Bursting with vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants & phytochemicals such as flavonoids and limonoids, limes can strengthen your immune system, helping your body fight off viral infections such as colds and flu and even shortening their duration.
Nature’s original dessert, raw honey is not only delicious but highly nutritious. Apart
from minerals, amino acids and B vitamins, it is rich in phytonutrients that give it amazing
antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties – not to mention immunity-boosting and
even anti-cancer benefits. But it has to be raw! Pasteurisation and other heavy processing either
dilutes or destroys these valuable nutrients.
Mint leaves are famously anti-inflammatory, relieving indigestion and promoting a healthy digestive tract. Rich in iron, manganese, folate, phosphorus, calcium and vitamins like C, D, E and A, mint works in various ways to improve the immune system.
“You are what you eat” is a commonly heard refrain. More accurately, you are what you can digest! – a poorly functioning digestive system is unable to properly break down and absorb the
nutrients from food.
Happily, we can improve our digestive system naturally. That means a diet rich in fibre, healthy fats and probiotics, all of which work together to promote a diverse and flourishing gut
microbiome.
Our favourite way to get a daily dose of probiotics is by drinking jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal drink; and kombucha – both of which we make daily at Bawah Reserve.
Food comes first – there’s no way to out-supplement a poor diet! That said, supplementation has
become increasingly essential for achieving the kind of optimal nutrition that supports robust
immunity.
Wherever possible, avoid dietary supplements made through harsh chemical processes. Luckily, going natural may not be as hard as you might think; even one drink a day could make a difference. Here at Bawah, we love rosella. Packed with Vitamins A, B2, C, and D as well as magnesium, omega 3, iron and potassium, it’s no wonder that this beautiful hibiscus family flower is being used more and more to boost health and wellbeing. Here’s our recipe for rosella tea.
Cheers – to your good health!