Everyday environmental pollutants and toxins produce substances called free radicals. Those free radicals can enter your body and damage healthy cells and tissues. Cells, molecules and tissues that work together in the most powerful way to block and destroy free radicals that enter your body comprise your immune system. The nutritional powerhouses for your immune system, according to the American Dietetic Association, include phytochemicals, selenium and vitamins A, C and E, which are all antioxidants. Eating nutrient-rich foods everyday gives you greater immune power to protect your health.
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals contain thousands of naturally occurring substances found in plant foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables according to the American Cancer Society. Vitamin supplements contain single nutrients -- they do not contain even a small amount of phytochemicals, and your body cannot make them; however, you can get them from your diet.
Vitamins A, C and E
Beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, vitamin C and vitamin E work together as a team to protect you against chronic illness, infections and disease such as cancer. Focus on colorful fruits and vegetables to get sufficient amounts of beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin C in your diet. The deeper the color the more amount of antioxidants they contain. Eating a variety of red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple vegetables and fruits everyday builds your immune system to protect your health. Other foods high in vitamin E include vegetable oils, whole grains, what germ, nuts and seeds, eggs and seafood.
Selenium
Selenium and vitamin E work together to protect your cells from free radicals. This mineral help maintain a healthy thyroid. Foods that contain sufficient amounts of selenium include meats and seafood, eggs and whole grains.
Antioxidants in a Nutshell
Antioxidants build a strong immune system to fight disease and protect against infections. Cells damaged by free-radicals contribute to health problems such as heart disease, loss of vision, diabetes and cancer. Antioxidants are nutrients in fruits and vegetables and other foods that help repair damage cells in your body.
