The immune system is nothing but a group of organs, cells, tissues, and proteins working together to defend the body against harmful foreign bodies that may cause an infection. A resilient and responsive immune system is necessary for a person’s well-being, especially in these difficult times when a global pandemic is prevailing upon us.
The question is: How can we enhance our immune system? Is it something we can eat?
The answer is yes! Feeding your body with some specific foods may boost and build up your immunity to fight more aggressively and keep you healthy.
Here we have shortlisted 10 of the most easily accessible and popular foods that you can give to your immune system, and it will surely be more vigilant and active to keep you healthy. Also in these uncertain times having a product from good hand sanitizer manufacturers like superiorsupplementmfg.com will help to avoid further germs and viruses that could harm the immune system!
Here are the 10 food your immune system will surely love!
1. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, overflowing with Vitamin C, are one of the most popular immunity-boosting food. It improves immunity by supporting cellular functions in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Vitamin C also increases the generation of white blood cells that have a vital role in the body’s defense mechanism against infections and foreign bodies. Vitamin C, being an antioxidant, ensures proper functioning of the immune system by fighting free radicals that can otherwise be harmful to immunity.
Besides being rich sources of vitamin C, citrus foods also contain flavonoids. These are plant compounds that help in boosting immunity by reducing inflammation and promoting speedy recovery.
2. Ginger
Ginger is full of immune-boosting advantages and has been used for ages for medicinal purposes. Its active compound, Gingerol, is known to help protect the body against infections, has anti-inflammatory properties that may relax blood vessels. This powerful root is also anti-bacterial, making it helpful and supportive in boosting the immune system and soothe nausea and upset stomach. Apart from that, ginger also delivers anti-cancer and anti-oxidative benefits.
3. Garlic
For ages, garlic has been consumed for its medicinal and curative properties. It contains more than 200 different compounds, including a large proportion of sulfur-containing compounds like allicin. These powerful and unique compounds give a boost to the disease-fighting capabilities of white blood cells. Garlic is also helpful in decreasing the intensity of existing cold, flu, and infections. Additionally, garlic is also full of antioxidants that work as a team with other compounds to combat impurities and help the immune system.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-filled source to boost your immune system immensely. This powerhouse vegetable is packed with high levels of potassium, folate, and antioxidants. Additionally, broccoli is also one of the most significant sources of the immune-boosting compound, Vitamin C. apart from that, eating broccoli furthers strengthens immunity by its trace minerals, including zinc and selenium. This veggie is enriched with Vitamins A and E, fiber, and many other antioxidants, making it one of the healthiest vegetables.
5. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflowers seeds are tiny but mighty sources of all things good. They are packed with nutrition and minerals. Sunflower seeds are among the highest sources of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps improve immune function. These seeds are also extremely high in selenium that supports the body to fight against some specific cancerous cells and also helps in building up your immunity.
6. Red Bell Pepper
This flavor-packed and crunchy ingredient is filled with Vitamin C, which is established to help boost immunity. This antioxidant helps promote the phagocytes’ activity, which are immune cells that can completely eat away harmful bacteria. It also supports the function of another immune cell, lymphocytes that attack the foreign bodies present in your blood.
7. Almonds
We have already discussed that Vitamin E is essential for your immune system, but almonds are especially remarkable. The reason is that Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means that it requires fat to be absorbed in your body. Almonds are full of Vitamin E and contain healthy fats, which is a perfect combination to boost your immunity. Almonds also have manganese, magnesium, fiber, iron, and protein necessary for your immune system.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the most advantageous and eaten dietary sources of nutrition and vitamins. It is rich in probiotics, which is a beneficial kind of bacteria. This probiotic bacteria in yogurt promotes the stimulation and regulation of your immune system. Additionally, it comprises of protein and vitamin D, which improves our body’s natural defense system against illness and diseases. Moreover, it also consists of anti-inflammatory properties.
9. Poultry
Poultry, including chicken and turkey, are rich sources of protein that also provide our bodies with amino acids. These are consumed by our bodies to make antibodies that fight infection and harmful entities that enter or try to enter our system. Furthermore, when poultry is boiled to make soup or broth, it releases gelatin, chondroitin, and other beneficial nutrients that ensure the health of your gut and immune system.
10. Green Tea
Besides eating, certain drinks are also extremely beneficial for our immunity. One such beverage that is quite popular and widely consumed for its health benefits is green tea. Its vital ingredient is EGCG that is a powerful natural antioxidant, making green tea a great immunity-booster. It helps by decreasing the formation of cell-damaging free radicals in your body. Moreover, it also provides amino acid L-theanine that assists in the making of germ-fighting compounds. As a bonus, green tea also contains anti-inflammatory characteristics.
A healthy, complete, and balanced diet is crucial to stay healthy and well. Make sure to incorporate these foods into your diet and adopt healthy habits and lifestyles to ensure health and wellness.
Stay Happy and Healthy!