Immunity-Boosting Foods
By Kara Sibilia
Eat more of these immunity-boosters to ward off colds and the flu this season:
Elderberry: Rich in antioxidants, which fight inflammation, extract from these berries also appears to block flu viruses.
Button Mushrooms: This power food contains the mineral selenium and antioxidants, plus the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin, which play a role in a healthy immune system.
Acai Berry: High in antioxidants called anthocyanins which may help your body fight aging and disease.
Oysters: Contain the mineral zinc which appears to have some antiviral effect.
Watermelon & Cabbage: Both contain plenty of the powerful antioxidant, glutathione, known to help strengthen the immune system so it can fight infection.
Almonds: A 1/4 cup serving carries nearly 50% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin E, which helps boost the immune system. And they have riboflavin and niacin; B vitamins that may help you bounce back from the effects of stress.
Grapefruit: Packed with flavonoids - natural chemical compounds that have been found to increase immune system activation.
Wheat Germ: Has zinc, antioxidants, and B vitamins, and also offers a good mix of fiber, protein, and some good fat.
Low-Fat Yogurt: Look for yogurt containing vitamin D and "live and active cultures." Recent studies have found a link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of cold and flu.
Garlic: Includes several antioxidants that battle immune system invaders. Among garlic's targets are H. pylori, the bacteria associated with some ulcers and stomach cancer.
Spinach: Contains folate, which helps your body produce new cells and repair DNA. And it boasts fiber, antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
Tea: Loaded with disease-fighting polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants seek out cell-damaging free radicals and destroy them.
Sweet Potato: Has the antioxidant beta-carotene, which wipes out damaging free radicals. Sweet potatoes also boast vitamin A, which is linked to slowing the aging process and may reduce the risk of some cancers.
Broccoli: Packed with immune-boosting vitamin A, vitamin C, and glutathione.
Source: www.webmd.com
Eat more of these immunity-boosters to ward off colds and the flu this season:Elderberry: Rich in antioxidants, which fight inflammation, extract from these berries also appears to block flu viruses.
Button Mushrooms: This power food contains the mineral selenium and antioxidants, plus the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin, which play a role in a healthy immune system.
Acai Berry: High in antioxidants called anthocyanins which may help your body fight aging and disease.
Oysters: Contain the mineral zinc which appears to have some antiviral effect.
Watermelon & Cabbage: Both contain plenty of the powerful antioxidant, glutathione, known to help strengthen the immune system so it can fight infection.
Almonds: A 1/4 cup serving carries nearly 50% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin E, which helps boost the immune system. And they have riboflavin and niacin; B vitamins that may help you bounce back from the effects of stress.
Grapefruit: Packed with flavonoids - natural chemical compounds that have been found to increase immune system activation.
Wheat Germ: Has zinc, antioxidants, and B vitamins, and also offers a good mix of fiber, protein, and some good fat.
Low-Fat Yogurt: Look for yogurt containing vitamin D and "live and active cultures." Recent studies have found a link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of cold and flu.
Garlic: Includes several antioxidants that battle immune system invaders. Among garlic's targets are H. pylori, the bacteria associated with some ulcers and stomach cancer.
Spinach: Contains folate, which helps your body produce new cells and repair DNA. And it boasts fiber, antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
Tea: Loaded with disease-fighting polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants seek out cell-damaging free radicals and destroy them.
Sweet Potato: Has the antioxidant beta-carotene, which wipes out damaging free radicals. Sweet potatoes also boast vitamin A, which is linked to slowing the aging process and may reduce the risk of some cancers.
Broccoli: Packed with immune-boosting vitamin A, vitamin C, and glutathione.
Source: www.webmd.com
Kara Sibilia, mother of two, is a freelance writer based in New Jersey. To contact Kara, please email kara_sibilia@yahoo.com.
Views: 9
Tags: Oysters, acai berry, almonds, antioxidants, button mushrooms, cabbage, cold and flu, grapefruit, immunity boosting foods, kara sibilia, More…
Comment
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Comment by amal slaoui on November 8, 2010 at 2:14pm -
Great post, to add to that in case you have a cough:
Drink pineapple juice it is rich in bromelin, a proteolytic (protein digesting enzyme); bromelin literally 'digests' dead and diseased cells and foreign microbes in the throat.
Whole lemon puree with skin and seeds, dissolves mucus, restores mucus membranes; biflavonoids in skin and fiber assist in restoring tissue integrity in respiratory system.
Other beneficial foods: carrot juice; raw radishes; cranberries (as for asthma): raw spinach, raw garlic; molasses.
For more tips on therapeutics juices a healthy alternatives to drugs only benefits no sides effects visit www.cure4us.cm
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