Foods serve more than merely filling up our stomachs and satisfying hunger. They can work either for us as medicine or poisons as what we eat breaks down in our bodies. Now more than ever with COVID-19 still going strong as well as still being the flu season, it is a good idea to become acquainted with the best foods that boost the immune system and use the healing benefits that specific foods have to offer.
The reason to concentrate on these foods is because they are the body’s defense against incoming germs and viruses, which are centered in the gut. Take into account that the intestines and all the healthy bacteria and white blood cells for antibody production go through more than two thousand square feet of its lining for the digestion process. Being said, the best way to keep healthy overall depends on dietary habits and foods that boost the immune system.
Those white button mushrooms also known as agaricus bisporus are one of those best foods that boost the immune system. This protective quality happens because they are loaded with riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin besides polysaccharides that serve as prebiotics to improve gut bacteria.
Probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir and other fermented foods such as sauerkraut are always a great idea to add to your diet. The reason for this is they keep the gut healthy with encouraging good bacteria to grow for the right sort of balance in the digestive track. You also get protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and several B vitamins.
Wheat germ is the inside seed portion of the wheat kernel that is another of these best foods that boost the immune system. After all, it contains powerful bioactive components that have both antioxidant, namely vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties such as zinc in addition to its other vitamins and minerals. Besides that, it is delicious and an easy way to fight off inflammation since you can sprinkle it over cereals, salads and yogurt that has slightly sweet, nutty taste.
Though you may be turned off by garlic, learning to include more garlic in your life can improve wellness. While cooking with it does add such wonderful flavor to recipes, heating also destroys its fantastic sulphur enzymes that benefit the immune system. Thus, the best way to reek all the benefits of garlic are to eat it raw as well.
You may or may not be familiar using turmeric in your cooking. However, you may want to start keeping a salt shaker filled with it on your table because of its curcumin. Technically not a food but a spice, it is still one of those foods that boost the immune system.
Citrus and berries are two best types of fruits to help the immune system. Citrus has vitamin C for white blood cell production to defend the body. Berries, in particular, the darkest varieties such as blackberries and blueberries have polyphenols to boost the immune system also.
Believe it or not, red bell peppers have even more vitamin C for immune-boosting benefits. Other vegetable superstars with high vitamin C content include broccoli and spinach. Hot peppers also help the immune system thanks to their capsaicin for pain relief and killing germs.
Quite a few studies have shown that a plant-based diet that includes a lot of fruits and vegetables and replacing red meats with legumes, nuts and healthy fats is better for the immune system and overall wellness.
