Common Foods that Boost Immunity

Did you know that a strong immune system helps to keep you healthy? The human immune system consists of cells, organs, tissues, proteins that work together to protect your body against disease-causing organisms.

One of the best and scientifically proven ways of boosting your immune system is by eating healthy, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and lean protein.

Here are some good foods that you need to include in your diet to stay healthy and maintain an optimal immune system.

Garlic

Several scientific studies have shown that garlic has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties. It has also been proved that garlic stimulates the production of white blood cells and can also act as a potent anti-oxidant in the body.

The best way to consume garlic is by putting lots of it into chicken soup or any other whole meal. You can also put some garlic into your salad made with tomato, cucumber, and feta cheese. Always turn to garlic when you want to ward off or relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a yellow spice that many people out there use in their cooking. Some meals that you enjoy at your favorite Ottavio restaurant may also contain turmeric as an ingredient.

Scientific study shows that consuming turmeric helps to improve an individual’s immune response since it contains significant amounts of curcumin. According to various studies, curcumin contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a delicious meal that is supercharged with valuable vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli is usually regarded as one of the healthiest and most affordable vegetables that you can consume.

The secret to maintaining its powerful nutrients intact is to cook it as little as possible or even avoid cooking it at all if possible. This way you can be sure that your body will fully benefit whenever you consume it.

Spinach

The next time you visit your favorite Italian restaurant, make sure that you order well-prepared spinach if you want to boost your immune response. Apart from vitamin C, spinach is also packed with a wide range of antioxidants and beta carotene that increase the infection-fighting ability of your body.

Just like broccoli, spinach is better when it is cooked as little as possible so that it retains all of its essential nutrients.  Consider cooking it lightly to enhance its vitamin A and also allow other essential nutrients to be released from its oxalic acid.

Pumpkin Seeds

You probably understand the fact that nuts and seeds are among the best foods for your daily quota of plant-based fats and proteins. However, pumpkin seeds provide much more than fats and proteins.

They are filled with zinc which is one of the most critical minerals for your immune system. In fact, an immune system without zinc can only be compared to an army without soldiers. Therefore, make sure that you consume a handful of pumpkin seeds several times per week to enhance zinc levels in your body.