Fruit blog

Fruit Buyer’s Report | Fruitful Office Spring 2020

Dear All,

Spring has been particularly challenging this year with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has literally turned many of our lives upside down, with most staff moving to ‘working from home’. But with all challenges comes opportunity, and this has been a time for slowing down, living the moment, recognising our surroundings, reflecting on our priorities, spending more time with our families and, not least, trying to take better care of ourselves - both physically and mentally.

It has been widely reported that boosting one’s immune system is crucial in the fight against COVID-19. This is something each of us can do which is pro-active and doesn’t rely on any external factor beyond our control – like a cure or vaccine. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables can provide us with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can boost immune function. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine suggests focusing on the following types of foods:

1. Beta-Carotene: a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and boost immune function by increasing disease-fighting cells in the body. Excellent sources include sweet potatoes, carrots, and green leafy vegetables
2. Vitamins C and E: antioxidants that help to destroy free radicals and support the body’s natural immune response. Sources of vitamin C include red peppers, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, mangoes, lemons, and other fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E sources include nuts, seeds, spinach, and broccoli
3. Vitamin D: research shows vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk for viral infections, including respiratory tract infections, by reducing production of proinflammatory compounds in the body. Increased vitamin D in the blood has been linked to prevention of other chronic diseases including tuberculosis, hepatitis, and cardiovascular disease. Food sources of vitamin D include fortified cereals and plant-based milks and supplements
4. Zinc: a mineral that can help boost white blood cells, which defend against invaders. Sources include nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, beans, and lentil

So eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to help support your immune system. In addition, we believe companies now have, more than ever, a responsibility to promote health to their staff. Providing fresh office fruit to staff is a cost-effective and powerful way to accomplish this.

Stay safe and stay healthy everyone.

Fruitful Office team