Food is essential for the overall health of the body because the nutrients found in food can be very beneficial to the body. A strong immune system helps to keep a person healthy.
What is an immune system?
The immune system consists of organs, cells, tissues, and proteins. Together, these carry out bodily processes that fight off pathogens, which include viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies that cause infections or diseases.
When the immune system comes in contact with a pathogen, it triggers an immune response. The system then releases antibodies, which attach to antigens on the pathogens and kill them.
Going further, a list of foods that boosts the immune system will be mentioned, and how they're beneficial to the immune system.
Without wasting much time, let's dive in.
Immune system boosters:
Here are some immune-boosting foods:
1. Broccoli: Broccoli is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and D, antioxidants, and minerals.
The vitamin is an antioxidant that provides a wide range of benefits. It supports the immune system and helps in fighting illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and cataracts. It may also reduce the symptoms of the common cold and shorten the time a cold should last.
2. Citrus: Vitamin C is assumed to increase the production of white blood cells in the body which are key to fighting infections.
Most people tend to immediately get any food infused with vitamin C after catching a cold because it helps build the immune system and shorten the impact of the cold.
Types of citrus fruits include;
Oranges
Lime
Lemon
Grapefruit
Tangerine
3. Ginger: Ginger is a flowering root plant.it is being used in different varieties of dishes as well as teas. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibiotics properties that help to boost the immune system. Ginger may help with nausea as well.
4. Garlic: Garlic may help to boost the immune system and resist or destroy viruses and other micro-organisms.
Garlic helps to fight off infections that are detrimental to one's health. The sulfur in garlic helps the body to absorb the trace element zinc, which is an immunity booster.
5. Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are high in Fiber and Antioxidants which help protect your body from damage and help boost the immune system.
6. Shellfish: Some varieties of seafood are rich in essential minerals that are important for the immune system by promoting good health and reducing inflammation.
Shellfishes are rich in zinc which is necessary for developing the cells that make up the immune system. Taking the recommended amount of zinc is important because zinc can also inhibit the immune system.
7. Spinach: Spinach is rich in vitamin C and has other nutrients like beta carotene and antioxidants that can help increase the ability of our immune system to fight against certain infections or inflammation.
Spinach should be prepared as little as possible so the nutrients are still intact and fresh for consumption. A soft or soggy spinach is said to have lost its nutrient or still has very little amount of nutrients left.
8. Red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are a rich form of vitamin C. They can either be stir-fried or roasted to preserve the nutrients found in them instead of boiling or steaming.
9. Kiwi: Kiwi is a great source of vitamin C, in as much as it's been said that vitamin C cures cold, it is not entirely true.
Vitamin C helps reduce or shorten the duration of the cold and brings relief.
10. Poultry: Chicken is a good source of vitamin B6 the benefit of this vitamin B-6 is that it is vital in the formation of healthy red blood cells which aids in the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.
Soups made with chicken can help reduce inflammation which could also improve the symptoms of a cold.
Other ways to boost the immune system include;
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Getting enough sleep.
Avoid smoking.
Avoid drinking.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Eating a balanced diet that includes immune-boosting food can go a long way in promoting overall health.
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