The Best Healthy Foods to Boost the Immune System Naturally
Natural immune system boosters
Best Healthy Foods to Boost the Immune System Naturally
Consuming healthy foods and paying particular attention to your diet could help to
strengthen your immune system. If you would like to keep colds, sore throats and other health problems at bay, include these healthy immune-boosting foods in your everyday meals.
Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C is one of the most popular immune-strengthening vitamins. Use lemon, honey, and warm water to relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Vitamin C is often used to boost the immune system because apparently, it helps to
increase the number of white blood cells that the body produces. White blood cells play an essential role in eliminating infections.
Here are some citrus fruit options:
● Oranges
● Lemons/limes
● Tangerines
● Clementines
● Grapefruit
Here are some unusual citrus fruits that are not so popular, but also packed with vitamin C:
● Pomelo
● Bergamot
● Finger Limes
● Kumquat
● Buddha’s hand
Key fact: Your body does not store or produce vitamin C, eating foods rich in vitamin C is essential.
Ginger
Ginger is a powerful antibacterial food; it also helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Use it to relieve sore throats and inflamed tonsils. Also, use it as a pain reliever and cholesterol reduction remedy.
Garlic
Garlic is a popular ingredient found in most dishes such as Italian, Indian and Oriental meals. It adds spice and flavor to recipes; however, it also packs a punch when it comes to its immune-boosting properties. It kills harmful bacteria, and it reduces inflammation in the body too. Use it to prevent infectious diseases and to relieve the symptoms associated with them. Add garlic to your meals and eat it raw if you are brave enough.
Blueberries
Blueberries contain a powerful chemical called anthocyanin. It strengthens the immune system and fights infections such as throat, chest, ear, and nose infections.
Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers also contain vitamin C. Bell peppers contain more vitamin C than citrus fruits. Add them in stir-fries, salads, soups, and stews to strengthen your immune system and protect your skin, hair, and nails.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow flowering plant that belongs to the ginger family. Like ginger, it also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents and relieves the symptoms associated with infections such as tonsillitis and bone conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Add turmeric to curries, stews, and soups; you can also make turmeric tea by boiling the fresh root in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. However, if you don't have fresh turmeric on hand, use the powdered version instead. Just add one tablespoon of powdered turmeric to a mug of freshly boiled water, stir and add honey to taste.
Spinach
Popeye didn't gain super strength by eating spinach for no reason; it is a powerful superfood that should be a key ingredient in your diet.
Spinach contains vitamin C and various other immune-boosting compounds such as beta carotene. Beta carotene transforms into vitamin A in the body, and vitamin A also helps to fight infections and diseases.
Yogurt
Most natural yogurts contain good bacteria that help to build and strengthen the immune system. Look for natural, unsweetened yogurt that contains "live cultures." These live bacterial cultures boost gut health; a healthy gut is essential for a robust immune system.
Some natural yogurts have added vitamin D, which is also an essential vitamin for fighting infections.
Almonds
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which also contains potent chemicals that fight disease and strengthen the immune system.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower Seeds contain magnesium, phosphorus, and Vitamin E.
Magnesium is necessary for healthy blood, phosphorus helps maintain healthy bones, and vitamin E helps to strengthen the immune system generally.
Poultry
Chicken soup is an age-old remedy for just about any sickness, and it turns out that the chicken soup remedy is not only an old wives' tale, there is some truth in it.
Poultry, such as turkey and chicken, is rich in vitamin B-6, an essential vitamin for the production of new red blood cells, which is vital for fighting inflammation and infections.
Shellfish
Shellfish contain plenty of zinc, which is vital for healthy immune cells. Include the following shellfish into your diet if you want to up your zinc intake:
-Crab
-Lobster
-Oysters
-Mussels
Health experts recommend 11mg of zinc daily for men and 8mg for women.
Conclusion
Boosting your immune system is vital if you want to avoid getting sick, include plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet, get your healthy fats by eating nuts and seeds. Don't forget poultry and shellfish for added immune-boosting benefits. Vegans should include nutritional yeast, avocados, acorn squash, bananas, and wheat germ for vitamin B-6 and zinc, try eating tofu, hemp seeds, and lentils.
Also, remember to consume lots of water and reduce your stress levels.
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