When it comes to washing your dishes, you might want to leave some bacteria behind.
A new study in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics says getting a little dirty is actually good for you. Bill Hesselmar, lead author of the study, told Time magazine bacteria appears to have positive effects on the immune system, explaining that “if you are exposed to microbes, especially early in life, you stimulate the immune system in various ways and it becomes tolerant.”
The study, which surveyed the parents of 1,029 Swedish children aged between 7 and 8 years, specifically asked the guardians about dishwashing habits at home. The findings showed families who handwashed dishes were less likely to have allergies, eczema and even asthma vs. those who used dishwashers, the New York Times reports.
Watch the video above to learn the unappetizing reason this old-fashioned dishwashing technique has been linked to better health.
Top Ten Foods To Boost Your Immune System
Artichoke(01 of10)
Open Image ModalA rainbow of colourful seasonal organic local vegetables offer a wide range of nutrients that work together to support effective immune function.
Raspberries(02 of10)
Open Image ModalPick local berries and fruits mid-summer, both are rich in vitamin C & E and full of antioxidants to build up the immune system before the winter months.
Yoghurt(03 of10)
Open Image ModalTraditional fermented foods like yoghurt have been used for centuries to help keep a balanced gut flora and support immune cells located there.
Avocado(04 of10)
Open Image ModalEssential fatty acids found in avocados help support a healthy inflammatory response.
Legumes(05 of10)
Open Image ModalGood quality protein sources like legumes are the building blocks for many immune cells.
Oysters(06 of10)
Open Image ModalBeta-glucans found in oysters are now widely believed to support healthy immunity.
Mushrooms(07 of10)
Open Image ModalDietary nucleotides found in mushrooms as well as meat and fish are building blocks for DNA and RNA synthesis now known to support the production and function of immune cells.
Sage(08 of10)
Open Image ModalCulinary herbs like sage which are used in cooking are reputed to have immune-boosting benefits.
Natural sugar alternatives(09 of10)
Open Image ModalUse a natural sugar alternative to minimise your intake of processed sugar and refined carbohydrates that suppress the immune system and feed bad bacteria in the gut. A new one on the market is palmyra jaggery from Conscious Food.
Garlic(10 of10)
Open Image ModalThis list wouldn’t be complete without garlic, which has been used for centuries as a natural antimicrobial to fight infections. Cook it lightly to retain the active ingredient allicin.