Food has more than a few benefits besides satisfying cravings throughout the day. The right meal items can have the effect of boosting immunity and reducing the chance of sickness, especially during cold and flu season. Eating fruits and vegetables with antioxidants that boost the body’s ability to protect and defend cells against damage help maintain overall health and reduce illness.

This month 810Kids! is focusing in on vegetables.

When it comes to school snacks, two vegetables served to Genesee Intermediate School District students are big on health benefits, says Justin K. Lewis, SNAP Ed coordinator for the district:

Celery – Whether served with a peanut butter spread or plain, a single stalk is known for health-boosting betacarotene, vitamin C and other properties that help protect blood vessels.

Green beans – Usually cooked, the common lunch or dinner side dish is nutritious, but eaten raw as a crunchy snack, just one snack size serving of greens beans is filled with more than 20 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.

Parents can help make sure kids get an added immunity boost by serving kale, spinach and broccoli at home.

Fruits are another good source of antioxidants and are also among snack items commonly served throughout the district, according to Lewis.

“But, as a natural immune-booster green vegetables, are a good way to go,” he says.

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