There are many foods that can help strengthen the immune system and you can easily find them right in your neighborhood food store. Your immune system provides many defenses to defend against unwanted infections and diseases. Adding foods high in antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C and beta-carotene, will help keep your immune system strong and able to fight off infections, bacteria and viruses. Eating the right foods will help maintain and possibly boost your immune system.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found in nuts, asparagus, avocado, eggs, milk, leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, spinach, broccoli, carrots, red peppers and pumpkin. These nuts, seeds and vegetables taste delicious when roasted in the oven and help prevent cell damage from free radicals, allow your cells to efficiently communicate and protect against disease.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is found in green, yellow and red peppers, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, kale, mangoes, melons, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, berries and Brussels sprouts. These foods can be incorporated into an immune-juice fresh fruit and vegetable juice for a healthy and naturally sweet taste. These Vitamin C rich foods can be steamed or eaten raw in a crudités to ensure that you reap the nutritional benefits and antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is a well-known common cold fighter and may also protect against other viruses, as well.
Caroteinoids
Caroteinoids, which contain beta-carotene, are found in sweet potatoes, watermelon, corn, turnips, collards, squash, broccoli, apricots, beets, peaches, corn and asparagus. These fruits and vegetables are soaring with antioxidants, which help repair cells from free radicals. Furthermore, beta-carotene rich foods provide a source of Vitamin A and enhances the functioning of the immune system.
Zinc and Selenium
Zinc is found in dairy products, nuts, seafood, red meats, oysters, beans and whole grains. Selenium is found in tuna, beef, grains, Brazil nuts and poultry. These protein-rich foods are the building blocks to many cells in our bodies through their amino acids. Furthermore, the fiber found in grains helps rid toxins from the body through our liver, which in turn may strengthen our immune system. Zinc enhances the function of T cells, which are vital in identifying antigens and notifying other immune cells to invaders.
References
- "100 Ways to Boost Your Immune System;" Theresa Cheung
- "Boost Your Immune System Naturally: A Lifestyle Action Plan for Strengthening Your Natural Defences;" Beth MacEoin; January 2008
- "Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer;" Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Neal D. Barnard; January 2002
