Ana Margarita Olar| Foodfindasia.com
In order to have a healthy body, we need to exercise, have enough rest and of course, a balanced and nutritious diet. Here are some super foods to boost immunity and keep you healthy:
Watermelon
This refreshing fruit boosts immunity because of its high vitamin C content and is also packed with a large amount of lycopene. It is the lycopene content that is responsible for the red color of watermelon. It also reduces inflammation, infection, and free radicals.
Yogurt
It contains probiotics or live culture of good bacteria. These bacteria help keep the intestine healthy by enhancing the intestine’s ability to fight disease-causing microorganisms. In a study conducted in a Swedish study involving 181 factory workers, those who drank daily supplement of Lactobacillus Reuteri (a strain that stimulates the white blood cells) for 80 days has 33% fewer sick days.
Oats and barley
These super foods can boost immunity through its beta-glucan content. Beta-glucan is a type of fiber that has both antimicrobial and antioxidant content. Aside from boosting immunity, it also speeds wound healing and facilitates better absorption of antibiotic medications.
Garlic
Being a part of most dishes and recipes, this potent bulb boosts immunity because of its allicin content which fights bacteria and infection. Studies suggest that those who consume more than 6 cloves of garlic a day have 30 % lower chance to have colorectal cancer and 50 % lower chance of having stomach cancer.
Sweet potatoes
Potatoes contain vitamin A that plays a major role in the production of connective tissue, which is a major component of the skin. Our skin is a vital part of our immune system since it is our primary barrier against disease-causing microorganism. If we want to boost our immunity, we got to have a healthy skin.
Mushrooms
Contemporary researchers show that mushrooms stimulate white blood cell production and activity, which in turn boost our immunity against infection. Among different varieties of mushrooms, shiitake, reishi, and maitake have the greatest immunity boosting properties.
Shellfish
Lobsters, oysters, crabs and clams, all contain selenium. This element enhances the white blood cells ability to produce cytokines. In turn, cytokines help our body fight against flu infections.
Beef
This is loaded with zinc, a mineral responsible for the development of white blood cells. White blood cells, in turn, help to distinguish pathogens and microbes that could harm the body.
So in order to keep fit and disease free, make sure you add these foods to your menu list. Remember the cliché: prevention is better than cure.
