Immunity is the body’s ability to resist disease by identifying and destroying foreign substances or organisms. Prevention is always better than any medicine. In order for your body to be able to fight off viruses and bacteria that are hidden literally everywhere, you need to have a strong immune system. That’s why at this time of year everyone is trying to boost their immunity.
There are different ways to improve your immunity, but one of the most effective is through diet. Balanced nutrition gives the body all the nutrients it needs to fight disease.
It is not in vain that our ancestors said that health comes through the mouth. But fast food has been shown to have a negative effect on boosting immunity, so stick to fresh foods such as: green vegetables from which we especially single out spinach. It is rich in vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B9, as well as many minerals.
Of course, there are also broccoli, peas, kale, cabbage… Orange and red vegetables and fruits, and primarily here are pumpkins, carrots, beets, tomatoes, peppers, tangerines, apples… Combined with lemon that is rich in vitamin C these foods are great for your immunity. Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, chestnuts, are rich in vitamins and minerals. Garlic and onions, well-known allies of strong immunity.
Protein and minerals include chicken soup, lean meats, poultry, fish, mushrooms and low-fat dairy products.
Honey and propolis (royal jelly) can be dietary supplements because they have a beneficial effect on immunity. A favorable combination is hot tea (from mint, chamomile, green tea, hibiscus …) sweetened with honey. Multivitamins help if we no longer get enough vitamins with a regular diet.
The following foods are the best immune enhancers:
- Garlic – is a miracle plant. It contains the substance allicin, which is known to have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. Its scent is repulsive to many people, but it is worth enduring in order to improve immunity.
- Spinach – hides a real vitamin richness. It contains vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin D. How many vitamins! In addition, it is rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and calcium. It is no coincidence that spinach is ranked among the most useful spring vegetables.
- Broccoli – is available all year round and is extremely important for improving immunity. The taste should not prevent you from including broccoli in your daily diet, as it is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and E, and is also a natural protector against many cancers. It is best to consume them without cooking them. Broccoli is rich in antioxidants and other ingredients that prevent the formation of cancer cells throughout the body. It also contains folate that helps fight depression and save brain cells.
- Ginger – is quite effective in strengthening the immune system. It has been proven to work against inflammatory processes, so it is a great solution against flu and colds. It is a powerful antioxidant, and antioxidants are one of the main substances for boosting immunity. One of their tasks is to help the body eliminate free radicals.
- Mushrooms – similar to meat, they help make white blood cells in the body. Recent research shows that mushrooms not only increase the amount of white blood cells, but also activate their fight against bacteria and viruses. Beta-glucan, which can be found in mushrooms, can boost immunity, lower bad cholesterol and regulate blood sugar.
- Nuts – not only are nuts rich in vitamins and minerals, but they also contain unsaturated fats, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and phytosterols that miraculously improve health.
