On the farm - issue 6

With hayfever season fast approaching I thought it appropriate to talk about the essential foods for combatting the sniffles. Many people swear that a teaspoon of local honey each day desensitises you to pollen and helps alleviate hay fever symptoms, which is why I have now added local honey to the website - see what nutritionist Marcelle Rose has to say about it below

Foods to add in or increase when you have hayfever

Anti-histamine foods, which will help reduce allergy symptoms include foods that contain the natural compounds quercetin and beta carotene, and those high in vitamin C.

Local honey also may be helpful because, although it contains trace elements of pollen, over time it may help your body become more familiar with the pollen entering your system and reduce the inflammatory response it makes.

Vitamin C containing foods - Blackcurrants, blueberries, peppers, kale, collard leaves, broccoli, kiwis, mango, courgettes, and cauliflower.

Quercetin containing foods - Onions, garlic, goji berries, asparagus, all berry fruits, apples, kale, okra, peppers, plums and red grapes. 

Beta carotene containing foods - Sweet potato, carrots, butternut squash, red and yellow peppers, apricots, peas, broccoli, dark leafy greens like kale, and romaine lettuce. (source Marcelle Rose – Nutritional Therapist)