The immune system helps to fight infections and disease-causing germs like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. So if you constantly battle with infection or your wounds take forever to heal, you may have a low immune system.
However, there are ways you can boost your immune system. You can achieve this by hydrating, exercising, taking supplements and nutrients, and most importantly, eating healthy.
There are many types of foods containing nutrients that can boost your immune system.
This blog will take you through some of them.
- Tumeric
Turmeric is an excellent spice that is useful to remedy many health-related illnesses. It contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that engineers T-cells production in the body. These cells are the primary cells that aid your health in your immune system. Curcumin is also what gives turmeric its color.
- Oysters
Oysters contain many nutrients that make them great for boosting your immunity. They contain zinc which is a virus-fighting agent. It helps to activate the white blood cells, which directly contribute to improving the immune system. Zinc also helps your immune system to heal wounds faster and aids antibodies in warding off infections. Oysters also contain selenium, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.
- Dark Chocolates
Not every chocolate is healthy or can help to boost the immune system. For example, milk and white chocolates do not necessarily contain immune-boosting nutrients. The darker the chocolate is, the more benefits it provides. Dark chocolates contain theobromine, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system and protects the body’s cells from free radicals that can contribute to disease and ruin the body’s cells. However, as healthy as dark chocolates are, they are highly caloric; therefore, ensure to eat them moderately.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C that helps the body’s immune system. Vitamin C fuels the body’s immune system by aiding the T-cells and phagocytes, major components of the body’s immune system. Some researchers also linked a vitamin-c deficiency to one of the causes of a weak immune system and resistance to some pathogens that cause illness.
- Blueberries
Blueberries contain anthocyanin, a type of flavonoid with antioxidant properties that help to boost the immune system. They also have iron, copper, and vitamin C to enhance immunity and prevent bacterial and viral infections like colds or tract infections.
- Spinach
Spinach is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, including vitamin E, flavonoids, and carotenoids, that help increase the immune system’s infection-fighting ability. To help retain its nutrients, cook it in low heat for a few minutes.
Other foods that help to boost the body’s immune system include almonds, ginger, kiwi, red bell peppers, natural yogurts, papaya, apples, green tea, and mushrooms.