Good nutrition, the corner stone of a well-nourished immune system

Simply put, the immune system is our body's ministry of defense. It is a network of organs, cells and molecules that not only fights infections when they occur, it also keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated. This means it has the ability to recognize and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again. When this happens, we talk about immunity against a specific virus or bacteria. No wonder people look out for ways to strengthen this amazing defense mechanism. 

Despite a common misconception, there is currently no convincing evidence that any food or dietary pattern can ‘boost’ our immune system and help us prevent or treat diseases[1].

Recently this statement has been reinforced by several government authorities that warn about misleading or even scientifically unfounded immune system related claims.

[1] https://www.eufic.org/en/page/food-and-coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know

Nevertheless, good nutrition plays an essential role in supporting a well-functioning  immune system. It is important to understand that 70% of immune cells are known to reside in our gut [2]. The efficiency of these cells is linked to the food we eat. As such we can say that good nutrition is the corner stone of a well-nourished immune system.

As recommended since many years by the World Health Organisation (WHO): a healthy diet is one of the main contributors to a healthy lifestyle which will make all bodily functions work better, including immunity. Good nutrition is crucial for a good health, particularly in times when the immune system might need to fight back [3] [4]. One should continue eating a diet that supports good health and reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases by following these recommendations of the WHO  [1] [5] [6]:

• Consume 400g (i.e. at least 5 portions) of fruits and vegetables, plenty of wholegrains
• Limit salt intake
• Limit sugar intake
• Limit fat intake

[1] Vighi, G., et al. "Allergy and the gastrointestinal system." Clinical & Experimental Immunology 153 (2008): 3-6.
[2] www.who.int › default-source › covid-19-and-ncds---final---corr
[3] http://www.fao.org/3/ca8380en/CA8380EN.pdf
[4] http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-technical-guidance/food-and-nutrition-tips-during-self-quarantine#food-buys
[5] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet

As  reliable partners in innovation we accompany you through your entire journey: we do not only sell ingredients but we offer you a full solution, which we call the “finished good approach”.

For this reason and fully in line with WHO recommendation on healthy diets we promote finished products that fulfil at least one of the following nutritional claims as approved by local regulations. 

It is also generally recognized that several micronutrients (such as copper, folate, iron, selenium, zinc and vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D) play an important role in our immune system. We help our customers with solutions containing such nutrients. Good nutrition is the corner stone of a well-nourished immune system.

Even though, eating habits are different around the world, in many countries products belonging to the bakery category can be considered staple foods since they are consumed almost on a daily frequency and are major contributors to daily nutrients intake. Because of consumers familiarity and consumption frequency, these products play a main role on overall healthiness of daily diet and, can help consumers fulfilling mainly daily nutritional needs such as the need for fibre.

Puratos’ bakery solutions enable to bake tasty and wholesome bread rich in fibre. As an inspiration, we are proud to share these amazing recipes that could help consumers to increase the quality of their diet .

At Puratos we believe that all food types can fit within a balanced diet, even products such as patisserie items that are energy dense and consumed on occasion following a hedonic impulse.

At Puratos we want to provide consumers with the most accurate and comprehensive information. Patisserie and chocolate products should be consumed in a moderate amount and always as part of a balanced diet. For these reasons we choose to promote only Puratos patisserie goods that represent a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe and help consumers to make a thoughtful choice.

Discover these two indulgent recipes, full on taste, reduced in sugar and high in fibre.