Eating healthy is just about the best way to go about boosting your general state of well-being. This includes, perhaps most importantly of all, your body’s immune system.
This means that instead of turning to special diets, fads, or even experts, the best way to fight off the flu or other infections often starts with a visit to the isles of your local grocer.
Below are just some of the foods known to be potent immune boosters.
Broccoli
According to a study published by researchers at UCLA, broccoli contains a chemical thought to restore the immune system – even as the body ages.
The study found that the chemical sulforaphane is the key to activating certain enzymes and genes present in our immune cells. These immune cells are responsible for combatting the disease-causing effects of free radical molecules.
Garlic
Garlic is well-known for being good news for the body’s immune response. And the great news is that this gem of a bulb, which is family to the onion and leek, can be found in just about every cuisine the world over.
Not only is garlic to be a great immune booster, but it also seems to slow down the hardening of arteries in the body.
Spinach
Spinach is well known for being rich in Vitamin C. But it’s a phenomenal antioxidant, which is what the body relies on to fight off infections.
Not unlike broccoli, spinach packs the most powerful punch when eaten only lightly cooked.
Spinach boosts the immune system and is furthermore great for good eyesight. There’s simply no reason not to dig in as often as possible.
Almonds
Packed with Vitamin E, almonds are a delicious way to give your immune system that extra leg up and they’re easy to snack on while playing online blackjack in New Zealand.
Since Vitamin E is what’s referred to as a fat-soluble vitamin, almonds are pretty much the perfect package for maximum health benefits.
Turmeric
Turmeric’s immune-boosting magic is to be found in its distinct yellow colouring: curcumin.
Curcumin is beginning to show a great deal of promise in terms of its anti-viral properties.
And what better way to boost the immune system than by cooking up a healthy curry?
Papaya
Packed with all the goodness of Vitamin C, Magnesium, Potassium, and Folate, papayas are great for boosting the immune system – and they’re delicious too.
The high levels of antioxidants found in papayas also prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, meaning they’re also great for good heart health.
Kiwi
Kiwis make our list because they’re full of all the same nutritional goodness of papayas, but with the added benefit of Vitamin K.
Getting sufficient doses of vitamins C and K are just about the best defense strategy for any immune system.
Chicken & Turkey
Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is packed with Vitamin B6. So much so, that just about 3 ounces of poultry has been shown sufficient for filling the body’s daily B6 requirements.
Vitamin B is a crucial ingredient for the formation of new red blood cells. These are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and as such, important building blocks for supporting health and immunity.