Immune-boosting foods
Food plays an important role in the overall smooth functioning of the body. The different food nutrients viz. carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin, minerals and roughage are essential for the growth and development of the body. Out of these, there are many nutrients in foods viz. lemon, garlic, ginger, turmeric, etc. are effective, especially to make the immune system strong thereby prevent you from viral infections including COVID-19. Let’s have a glimpse of immune-boosting foods that will help you to prevent from falling sick.
10 foods to boost your immunity
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits i.e. lemon, orange, grapefruit, limes, and amla are full of vitamin C and are known to produce white blood cells (WBC) and enhance the immunity of the body. These are also useful to combat infections. However, one thing should be noted since vitamin C is produced or stored by our body, so its intake should be regular.
- Garlic: Garlic contains a sulfur-containing biochemical substance called allicin. This compound is known to strengthen the immune system and also helpful to lower blood pressure and preventing of hardening of arteries.
- Ginger: Besides, to boost the immune system, ginger is also good for cough&cold, sore throat, asthma, and pain. It contains dermcidin, an anti-bacterial agent that protects the body from bacteria, viruses, and other infections. The regular eating of this food helps to develop resistance against microbes.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is considered a superfood because of the presence of numerous vitamins and minerals. It is also loaded with vitamins A, C, E, including fiber and antioxidants. Having it on your dishes is helpful to protect you from many diseases and infections and also nourishes you weakened the immune system.
- Spinach: Spinach is abundant with biochemical substances and antioxidants. It is full of beneficial antioxidants viz. flavonoid, carotenoid, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc, and selenium. All these, make it for infection-fighting and enhancing the immune system. It is beneficial for the heart, blood pressure healthy development of bone. Due to its numerous benefits, spinach is considered the healthiest food in the world.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is full of vital nutrients. Yogurt is the best source of protein, calcium, and potassium. It also contains calcium, vitamin B2, B5, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, iodine, amino acid, and vitamin B12. Yogurt has a great power to enhance the immunity of the body. It protects from microorganisms by building the immunity of the body.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its multi-purpose medicinal uses and health benefits. The use of it helps to clear phlegm, mucous and other watery substances from the nasal passage thus helps to energize the respiratory system. It is good for cell regeneration and also helps to improve the immunity of the body.
- Green Tea: Green tea is packed with many important compounds such as flavonoids, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and L-theanine. All these photo-chemicals and antioxidants are good to boost the immune system naturally.
- Papaya: Papaya has enzymes like papain and chymopapain which reduces inflammation. Papaya has lots of nutrients viz. Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, and sodium. All these macro and micronutrients are good for the overall development of the body.
- Blueberries: Blueberries have the ability to fight against bacterial and viral attacks. These have many important photo-nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex, anthocyanin, selenium, manganese, zinc, copper, and iron, which enhance the resistance power of the body. Especially, the high levels of vitamin C help to boost the immune system thus prevent diseases like cold, flu, and other communicable diseases.
Foods and diet that weaken the immune system
- Fast food
- Beverages
- Caffeine
- Fruits and vegetables that are ripe with pesticide
- Soda related diet
- sugary products
- Food products that contain gluten
- Refined oils
Foods to boost kids immune system
- Almonds
- Berries
- Yogurt
- Salmon
- Eggs
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Seeds
- Oats
