The immune system has a primary role in defending your body against diseases. The system comprises several components, including the cells in your skin, tissues, bone marrow, body organs, and blood that when functioning correctly, should guard your body against harmful pathogens like viruses and reduce damage from noninfectious agents such as cancer.
For your immune system to function as it should, you ought to make sure that every component is working as it should through taking good care of your body. Certain foods boost your immune system and keep it strong for a healthy body. Read on to discover ways that you can boost your immune system with these foods.
Eat the Right Amounts of Food
One of the best ways to keep your immune system healthy is to eat the right amount of food. Overeating may cause obesity, leaving you prone to illnesses because it destroys white blood cells. It would also be best to limit the amount of fat in your diet. While fuel is necessary to keep your body and immune system fit, you must control fat amounts. While incorporating foods in your diet to boost the immune system, make sure you consider minerals and vitamins, and remember to eat in the right amounts.
Poultry
When sick, most people reach for chicken soup because it reduces inflammation and improves symptoms of a cold. Poultry, including turkey and chicken, is rich in vitamin B6. The vitamin helps with the formation of healthy and new red blood cells. You can also get the vitamin B6 from eggs. To include this important vitamin in your diet, you can try these French scrambled eggs. Broth from boiled chicken is also rich in gelatin, which is vital in boosting immunity and gut healing.
Turmeric
People use turmeric, a yellow spice in cooking. Turmeric is also present in several alternative medicines. Incorporating turmeric in your diet enhances your immune response because of its qualities of curcumin compound. Additionally, curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Sunflower Seeds
Selenium compounds found in sunflower seeds are a reliable source of vitamin E. A quarter cup of sunflower seeds contains 82% of selenium, which is the daily recommended quantity to boost your immune system. Sunflower seeds are also rich in vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that aids in fighting free radicals that maintain a healthy immune system, skin, nails, and hair.
Shellfish
Some types of shellfish are rich in zinc, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune cells. Some shellfish varieties that are high in zinc include crab, oysters, lobsters, and mussels. Remember to consume the recommended amount of zinc to avoid inhibiting the immune system functions. The recommended daily amount for adult men is 11mg and 8mg for adult women.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C. It contains potent antioxidants, including sulforaphane. Therefore, broccoli is an excellent vegetable choice that you ought to eat often to boost your immune system. Spinach is also perfect for boosting the immune system because it has essential antioxidants and nutrients.
Not a huge fan of spinach or broccoli? In this case, why not try adding these veggies to your favorite pizza? When you’re eating so many immune boosting and healthy foods, you don’t have to feel guilty about having a treat now and then! Infact, there are plenty more tasty foods that boost the immune system, including dark chocolate. According to Medical News Today, ‘It was found that eating dark chocolate led to an increase in the expression of genes involved in the activation of T cells, which are the white blood cells that help us to fight infection and disease.’
Enjoying the above immune-boosting foods will not only help you to maintain a healthy immune system but also improve your body’s ability to fight infections. Adopt a healthier diet, quit smoking, and exercise to support your health. Remember to make this a year-round endeavor and your immune system will thank you.
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