"Avoiding colds and the flu takes more than just washing your hands and getting enough sleep," says Amy Hendel, Nutrilite's Phytonutrient Coach. "Eating a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables daily, that contain the antioxidant vitamins along with other plant-based foods like beans and nuts for nutrients like zinc and selenium, may be just as important."

To help close the "phytonutrient gap" and support immune health, Hendel, a registered physician assistant and nutritionist, offers the following tips for people at any age:

Power up your plate. A serving of sweet potatoes has nearly double the vitamin A as a serving of carrots. Go beyond your comfort zone. Some of the best immune-boosters are found in less familiar plant-based foods. Try combining lentils, shitake mushrooms and spinach in soup this winter for zinc and selenium. Exercise. Keep in mind that diet alone is only part of the equation. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine, and remember small bouts of exercise add up over the course of the week. Wash your hands. Given that most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact, it is especially important to wash your hands frequently during the fall and winter months when colds and flu are most prominent. Drink plenty of fluids. Proper hydration is not only good for your overall health, but especially beneficial during cold and flu season. Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and tomatoes, have a high water content which can help you reach daily fluid intake levels. Meet the Daily Phytonutrient Goal. A good goal for most individuals is to consume a combined total of 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. For those having trouble getting enough fruits and vegetables into their daily diet, plant-based supplements which offer phytonutrients and nutrients associated with immune function are an option.

To see whether they have a "phytonutrient gap," consumers can check out the Phytonutrient Spectrum and their Daily Phytonutrient Snapshot at www.nutrilite. The Phytonutrient Spectrum brings to life the colors, health benefits and fruits and vegetables associated with select phytonutrients, and the Daily Phytonutrient Snapshot helps consumers determine which fruits and vegetables they need to eat more of to help close their individual "phytonutrient gap."

Source: Weber Shandwick Worldwide