Food That Boosts Immunity
During sickness, many people seek special foods or supplements that they say will “fight” disease and boost immunity. Health stores and social media have become overrun with products that promise to enhance immunity. But the truth is that the immune system is not the same as your daily food intake. The body is constantly generating new immune cells, and it doesn’t know which combinations of immune cells will be most effective. In other words, there’s no one food or supplement that will boost your immune system.
Today, more consumers are noticing the increasing benefits of immune-boosting food and supplements. According to the FMCG Gurus report, the most commonly associated ingredients with improving the immune system are iron and magnesium, particularly in South America. Other ingredients, such as botanicals and vitamins, are increasingly attracting the interest of consumers who are seeking natural immunity support. In addition, many consumers seek products that contain ingredients that are well-researched.
Eating immune-boosting foods is important for overall health, even when they’re occasional. For example, laughter stimulates the production of protective T cells in the body, while natural killer cells activate the production of antibodies. Additionally, writing a journal helps strengthen immunity by revealing your feelings and letting them out. It also allows you to work through negative emotions and move on. This will help your immune system fight off any harmful pathogens.
Eating foods rich in cruciferous vegetables can be beneficial for the immune system. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, are also known to protect against cancer. Broccoli sprouts, in particular, are particularly beneficial, as they contain more than fifty times the amount of sulforaphane found in mature broccoli flowerets. Sulforaphane is a master antioxidant that helps the body produce hormones, energy, and repair cells.
Another food that strengthens your immune system is ginger. Ginger, citrus, and other fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which helps build the immune system. Broccoli is also full of antioxidants and fiber. Garlic is also considered to be an immune-boosting food, thanks to the substance allicin, which helps the body fight off germs. Apart from these, other foods that boost the immune system include green tea, almonds, papaya, and kiwi.
Ginger is a powerful cure for the common cold. A review of ginger’s effects in treating the common cold concluded that it has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation inhibits the immune response, so ginger helps boost your immune system. Adding ginger to your food regularly will improve your immunity and boost your energy. This is one of the best ways to fight the common cold. For more information on ginger and other foods, check out the International Journal of Preventative Medicine.