Our body have amazing protection mechanism called the immune system. It is designed to defend you against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites that would love to invade your body. The majority of your immune cells reside in your intestines, so doesn’t it make sense to consume healthy foods for keeping your immune system top notch?
Here are 10 foods you can eat right now to boost your immune system
Red or Pink Grapefruit
Grapefruit is packed with vitamin C, making it an immune-boosting essential. The red and pink varieties are especially good choices because, as their rosy color indicates, they’re packed with bioflavonoids, which are phytonutrients.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides that combat viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some parasites, especially once they’ve been digested. They also boost energy levels and reduce inflammation.
Pineapple
Pineapple is packed with nutrients that boost your body’s production of granulocytes, which are what make up white blood cells. Since white blood cells are your body’s first line of defense against bacteria and flu bugs.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all cruciferous vegetables, which means they’re not only rich in antioxidant vitamins that give an immune system boost, but they also contain choline, a nutrient essential to a healthy diet.
Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene, which gives them their bright color. One of beta carotene’s jobs is to support the body’s mucus membrane, which lines the respiratory and intestinal tracts, making it harder for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause trouble.
Spinach
Dark leafy greens like spinach are also packed with cold-busting zinc. Plus, spinach has a ton of vitamin A, which has been shown to boost immunity.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms also contain beta-glucans, the immune boosting fiber, and selenium to increase production and activity of white blood cells. We’re just beginning to understand the many other compounds in mushrooms that bolster health.
Carrots
Carrots are known for their beta-carotene, they also contain a high amount of infection-fighting and immune system-regulating vitamin A. Vitamin A also keeps the tissue in the mouth, stomach, respiratory systems, and intestines healthy and strong
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, which fights bacterial infections and cancer. Garlic also has beneficial effects on the circulatory system, and any boost to your circulatory system improves immunity and many other aspects of health.
Peppers
Another excellent source of vitamin C and also capsaicin. Capsaicin improves circulation, reduces pain and inflammation, thins mucus, and acts as an antioxidant. It has been linked to reducing the growth of some cancers too.
Sources:
–http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au
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