Five Best Foods to Boost Immune System & Healthy Life
Honey
Daily consumption of honey has been
found to strengthen the immune system. Its antioxidant, antimicrobial and
antibacterial properties help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and
fungi.
Honey also can improve your
digestive system, treat acid reflux, soothe a sore throat, treat a nasty cough,
improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, and heal wounds and scars
quickly. Start each day with one teaspoon of honey along with a glass of
lukewarm water to enjoy its numerous health benefits.
Garlic
Garlic is one of best
immune-boosting foods. It contains powerful antibiotic, antiviral, and
antifungal properties that help the body ward off and fight infections.
Regular consumption of garlic helps
your body fight infections and inflammatory diseases like the common cold,
rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. It
can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and aid in preventing
various types of cancer. To stay healthy, eat one or two raw garlic cloves
daily.
Green
Tea
Green tea is the best drink known to
boost the immune system. It introduces a type of flavonoid called
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) into the body that helps fight bacteria and
prevent viruses from multiplying.
It also has many powerful
antioxidants that help protect against viruses, bacteria and other
micro-organisms that can cause health problems. Regular consumption of green
tea also will help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, periodontal
disease, and osteoporosis. Enjoy a soothing cup of green tea several times a
day. Do not add milk, as it will make the tea less effective for this purpose.
Ginger
This pungent herb has been used for
ages to boost the immune system and treat many health problems. Apart from
being a strong antioxidant, ginger has antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibiotic
and anti-inflammatory properties.
This herb helps eliminate congestion, ease throat pain, kill
cold viruses, combat fever, inhibit
pancreatic cancer cell growth, inhibit growth of peptic ulcer
disease, promote gastric mobility, decrease chronic pain and lower high cholesterol.
Drink one to two cups of ginger tea daily to keep your immune system
functioning properly.
Yogurt
To boost your immune system, include
yogurt with active cultures in your diet. The strains of ‘good’ bacteria such
as Bifidobacterium lactis in yogurt boost the activity of immune system
cells to destroy viruses and ‘bad’ bacteria. The friendly bacteria also
help the body absorb many essential nutrients.
Eating yogurt on daily basis can reduce the incidence of
intestinal infections, fight different types of viral infections, improve
digestion, reduce the length of the common cold, and treat dysentery
and various types of diarrhea. For maximum benefits, buy yogurt that has “live
and active cultures” printed on the label.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet
potatoes also are an excellent immunity-boosting food. They are full of the
antioxidant beta-carotene, which protects against damaging free radicals and
improves immune cell function. Plus, they have a high amount of vitamin A,
which is required for the normal functioning of the immune system and
helps develop resistance to infection.
Sweet potatoes also help
regulate blood sugar and lower insulin resistance; combat
inflammatory problems like asthma, arthritis, and gout; relieve constipation
and prevent colon cancer; protect against emphysema; and prevent strokes and
heart attacks. Eat one-half cup of boiled sweet potatoes daily to improve your
immune system and stay healthy.
Chicken Soup
A bowl of
homemade chicken soup can boost your immune system and increase your chances of
beating a viral infection quickly. Chicken soup provides a strong dose of
protein, an important nutrient for immune system maintenance.
Plus, it
contains B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and zinc, all of which strengthen your
immune system. Chicken soup also helps you stay hydrated, which can speed up
the healing process if you do get sick. Have chicken soup several times a day
when dealing with symptoms of a cold, including a runny nose, nasal congestion
and cough.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms
have high antioxidant content and are rich in the essential minerals selenium
and copper that are important for the immune system. Research has shown that an
increase in selenium intake can help improve the immune function.
Mushrooms
also nourish and protect the heart and liver and have the ability to help
prevent breast and prostate cancer. They are also known to reduce the risk of
high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. To boost your immune system, opt for
shiitake, reishi or maitake mushrooms.
Adding these
superfoods to your diet will boost your immune system and help you remain
healthy and free of disease.
Oranges
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, a
powerful antioxidant that helps boost your immune system. Vitamin C promotes
the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections.
Oranges are also a good source of
vitamin A, vitamin B9 or folate, and copper that are important for immune
functions. Also, they help lower both cholesterol and blood pressure levels. To
improve your immune system, drink a glass of fresh orange juice in the morning
and one glass later in the day.