Foods That Boost the Immune System
Our social media is swarmed with pictures of tempting food and mouthwatering delicacies. Staying away from such junk and having a healthy diet can help us build a hulk-like immunity.
It is important to realize the true potential of the right nutrition and its immediate effects on our body and overall immunity. Well, they say a strong immune system keeps a person healthy and wards off various diseases.
Whether we are speaking from the current pandemic perspective or for general well-being, immunity plays a pivotal role in recovering from any illness. The world is witnessing a crucial health crisis and it’s important to know how to build resistance in our body.
If you think that finding these specific immunity-boosting foods is next to impossible during the limited market access, then we are to your aid. Read on to discover the 11 most common foods that are a boon to your immune system. Here’s the list-
Berry Berry
Berries are known for their exotic flavor, juicy taste, and delicious crunch. But, they offer a range of other health benefits too. Berries have various antioxidant properties that help to boost the immune system. Blueberries, for instance, contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin, that strengthens the body’s defense system.
Scientists have found through several studies that certain flavonoids have antihistamine, antimicrobial, memory and even mood-enhancing properties.
So, the next time you’re having your boring breakfast cereal, salad, ice cream or a creamy milkshake, make berries a part of the platter and enjoy the kiss of good health!
Cocoa
Chocolates are favorite among both kids and grown-ups alike. In fact, dark chocolate, in limited quantities, is a great way to boost the immune system.
Cocoa contains various antioxidants that help in protecting the body’s cells from free radicals. Dark chocolates can also reduce insulin resistance, which is another common risk factor for people suffering from heart disease and diabetes.
Lastly, chocolates are known for their soothing properties and can be the perfect mood lifters too. So, if you are still hit by the cabin fever, it’s just the right time to indulge in a chocolaty affair.
Turmeric
You can find this yellow spice in almost every Indian kitchen. Apart from being a culinary essential, turmeric has always been used as a popular home remedy for various reasons.
It is believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that induce healing and reduce pain. Turmeric also aids in healthy digestion of food and controls irritable bowel syndrome.
Probably now on, you gonna love the color of turmeric even more! #colorofgoodhealth
Broccoli
Just a floret of broccoli is enough to make kids, and even adults, squirm in their seats. Still, broccoli is a divine blessing when it comes to boosting your immunity.
It is an amazing source of vitamin C that is essential for maintaining the metabolism and healthy development of the body. Broccoli also contains potent antioxidants, such as sulforaphane, that are good for building up resistance to various illnesses.
Even the internet is full of ideas to make tasty recipes with broccoli. So, stop your excuses and start your journey to good health right away!
Sweet’ Potato
Remember having boiled sweet potatoes with just pepper and salt? What a delight it was! Well, don’t worry even if you have not tried it yet.
This starchy root vegetable is rich in beta carotene, a type of antioxidant that is a source of vitamin A.
It helps to make skin healthy and keeps it fresh and radiating. So, if you feel your skin is already turning dry or pale it’s time to call Mr. ‘sweet’ potato for help!
Spinach
Ah! Popeye has given millions the mantra of a healthy lifestyle with his can of spinach. This green leafy veggie is rich in many essential nutrients and antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E that help to support the immune system.
Also, it is readily available year long and can be cooked in various recipes. You can make soups, curries, dips, salads, sandwiches, parathas and what not!
So, if you want to keep your body and guts fit and strong, it’s time to bring the spinach along.
Ginger
Your every day kadak masala chai is incomplete without this ingredient. Ginger is another spice from your mom’s list of culinary must-haves. But, do you know that it has a lot of medicinal importance too? Ginger has various anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties and is likely to offer health benefits for suppressing the symptoms of sore throat and common cold. ‘
In fact, having honey and ginger gives instant relief to the swelling and pain associated with throat infections. So, the next time you are under the weather you know a quick and easy remedy to feel good.
Garlic-Bred
We love our pizzas. But the entire experience is incomplete without the sides of delicious cheese garlic bread. Garlic has a rare pungent taste and is a great flavoring for various dishes. But there’s more to it, garlic is also a part of numerous home remedies associated with common colds.
It contains allicin that controls the symptoms of a cold. The active compounds in garlic can also help reduce blood pressure. In ancient times, garlic was believed to reduce fatigue and enhance the work capacity of laborers.
Well, if you feel homesick and dreadfully low on energy, a clove of garlic is enough to do the trick.
Green Tea
Drinking a cup of tea is like a ritual to most of us. Whatever is your choice of beverage, green tea always remains a healthier option. It contains only a small amount of caffeine, serving as an alternative to black tea or coffee.
Drinking it also helps to strengthen the immune system. Green tea contains healthy bioactive compounds and promotes fat burning that leads to weight loss. So, if you always raid the fridge every morning, a cup of green tea is surely not be missed.
Almonds
Almonds are amazing! They have the perfect crust, taste, and flavor. Remember how our moms would often give us a handful of almonds, wishing we would turn into Einsteins!
Well, if science is to be believed almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E that helps to increase brain power. They also contain manganese, magnesium, and fiber which is essential to maintain immunity and metabolism.
These benefits of almonds surely make them a perfect addition to our dietary needs. Also, if you always need something to munch on, roast some almonds and you are good to go for hours.
Citrus
We all remember that our summers are incomplete without a chilled glass of nimbu paani. Not just nimbu pani, there are many citrus fruits that have been a part of our diet. The family of citrus fruits includes fruits like oranges, grapefruits, limes and lemons.
Apart from being always a part of the fruit basket, these fruits offer a range of health benefits. Citrus fruits are considered to be an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps to build immunity and prevents illness.
They also keep your body hydrated for long and improve dryness of the skin. Many food experts recommend these fruits as a healthy staple to promote weight loss and fat reduction.
So, when it comes to taking your health seriously, you can always find solace in some juicy citrus from the refrigerator.
Friends,
Our list of immunity-boosting food has finally concluded. But remember, a good diet is not the absolute remedy to secure good health. There are other lifestyle strategies that need to be followed in conjunction with a nutritious diet to make a person’s immune system stronger.
So, always try to reduce smoking, control alcohol intake, minimize stress, and follow all the norms of personal hygiene. And the most important of all, if you exhibit any symptoms of illness never forget to consult a doctor and follow the advice.
We hope that this article helps you kick-start your journey towards a fit and healthy life. Find more ways to build immunity with our next read on How to Boost Your Immune System to Fight Off Diseases.
All the information in this blog is compiled from reliable online sources.
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