Consuming certain kinds of foods is incredibly necessary to boost your body’s immune system and keep it strong. Seek ways to prevent flu, cold, and other infections? Well, the first step you take involves a visit to the local store near you. This can help you stock some immunity-boosting foods, which are healthy and powerful for the immune system. However, before we get to that, please understand that no supplement can prevent or cure the disease, but they can certainly make your body more potent to fight the diseases. So, let us get started and address these immunity-boosting foods one by one.
Blueberries
Blueberries have a certain flavonoid known as anthocyanin, and anthocyanin is known for its antioxidant properties. It is incredibly helpful in boosting your body’s immune system. A study conducted in 2016 found that flavonoids have a quintessential role in guarding your respiratory tract. There are enough and more studies to prove that people who consume flavonoids on a routine basis are less likely to experience an infection of the respiratory tract or common cold.
While dealing with the COVID-19 virus, I have made this new lifestyle change, wherein I added Blueberries to my diet. It did help me keep the virus at bay,’ shares Anaida, an educator who offers
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Garlic
Garlic is typically present in almost all dishes in the world. It adds a unique twist to the food and is a must-include to your diet. The value and potency of garlic in combating infections were realized in the early civilizations. More so, garlic prevents the hardening of arteries. Some reports even see the effectiveness of garlic in keeping blood pressure in check. The immunity-boosting properties of garlic are derived from allicin, which is a sulphur-containing compound.
Dark chocolate
Here is an incredible piece of information for chocolate lovers. Both cocoa extracts and cocoa have exceptional benefits, which are fantastic for your body’s immune system. Cocoa is also a great antioxidant. If you can keep the fat and sugar content to the minimum, cocoa powder and unsweetened cocoa play an excellent role in boosting your immunity. Usually, the cocoa-related studies were done on extracts, but they typically extrapolate the degree of extract used to a correlating degree of cocoa. However, recently several studies have analyzed the health benefits of cocoa and even dark chocolate. Studies suggest regular cocoa consumption can lower your risk of developing heart disease and increases good cholesterol. In people with diabetes, it can reverse blood vessel damage. You can add some mashed banana and cocoa powder to oatmeal in the cooking stage itself. Alternatively, you can even make a cocoa-avocado pudding. Cocoa also tastes excellent in savory dishes mixed with chili powder and spices. If nothing, drink some hot chocolate with milk, cocoa powder, and sugar.
Acai Berry
Acai Berry is a dark-colored berry. The dark color is an indication of the multitude of anthocyanins nutrients present in it. Though there is not adequate research to conclude that acai berry can help you deal with some specific conditions, the undeniable truth is that it has antioxidants, which are great for your immunity.
Morris, an educator who works with a platform where you can
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Turmeric
It is a yellow spice, which is used widely for cooking. Turmeric is often found in alternative medicines. Consuming turmeric can better your immune system’s response. It is because of the abundant health benefits of this Indian spice. It has a curcumin compound present in it, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Moreover, turmeric also has zinc in it, which has excellent virus-fighting properties. This is because zinc can help activate and create the WBCs involved in the immune system response. Further, turmeric also boosts your immune system and increases your body’s healing properties.
Watermelon
Watermelon is not just refreshing but is also excellent immunity-boosting food. While ripe, watermelon has abundant glutathione content in it. Glutathione is an antioxidant that strengthens immunity and helps combat infection. To avail maximum glutathione from watermelon, you must eat its red pulpy flesh around the rind.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the best foods to keep flu, cold, and other infections at bay. Studies suggest that mushrooms, such as maitake, shiitake, and reishi, have anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties.
‘My daughter does not like a mushroom at all. But given the many health benefits, I was adamant about feeding the same to her. So, I took some shiitake mushrooms and sliced them up. Then, I added them to an omelet or a stir fry and used the same mushrooms as a burrito or taco filling. Some days I even stir it in miso soup, which she loves,’ shares Kylie, an educator who offers
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Nuts
Nuts are a rich source of protein. They also have a high degree of minerals and vitamins and are dense in antioxidants, such as zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin E. Studies present a direct link between consumption of nuts and declining susceptibility to chronic diseases. You can take a generous amount of nut butter on celery or whole wheat bread or an apple. It can be the perfect snacking option for you.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a super-food. It is rich in necessary Vitamins and Minerals. Moreover, broccoli also has Vitamin A, E, and C and fiber. Broccoli also has high antioxidant content and is indeed one of the healthiest vegetables for you to consume.
‘To retain the nutritional value of broccoli, I recommend you to cook it as little as possible. If possible, do not cook it at all. To retain the nutrient content, you can consider steaming it instead,’ shares Kylie, an educator who offers
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Kefir
This is a fermented drink. It has in it live bacteria cultures, which are hugely beneficial for your good health. There is adequate research that suggests kefir can help strengthen your immune system. Studies indicate that regular kefir consumption can help lower inflammation, fight bacteria, and heighten antioxidant activity.