8 Immune Boosting Foods

The immune system is a defensive mechanism present inside each one of us that prevents disease-carrying microorganisms from entering our system. Think of it as an anti-virus for your body which ensures you are safe from all infectious foreign bodies. So, why is it that despite having a strong guard, viruses and germs manage to invade your body? This is because the immune system also needs to be boosted and strengthened continuously – any negligence to it can put you in harm’s way.

Simple lifestyle changes you can make include changing dietary habits. Read on to learn how to make the immune system strong by simply eating right.

A major amount of our immune cells reside in the gastrointestinal tract and the gut is an important entry point for many toxins, allergens and pathogens. Hence, eating healthy immune-boosting foods can be useful in keeping diseases at bay

A plate of salad with some broccoli can fill you with vitamins A, C, and E as the vegetable is packed with minerals. Broccoli also has antioxidants and fibre which are tremendously useful for immunity power. A plateful of this in your daily diet can help your body get stronger in fighting infections, and the best way to have it is uncooked or lightly steamed.

Garlic is another miracle food that can benefit a weak immune system immensely. Many cuisines use garlic as it adds to the flavour of the food and is useful in fighting many infections. From early civilisations to the present age, garlic has been a prevalent part of our diet and helps in lowering blood pressure along with preventing the hardening of arteries.

Another everyday item that is counted among immune-boosting foods is yoghurt. However, the yoghurt must be plain and contain live and active cultures. This plays a pivotal part in regulating the immune system and enhancing the body’s natural defence mechanism.

If you are not a tea drinker, you may want to consider making it a part of your diet. Green tea, in particular, can help your immune system as it contains an antioxidant called flavonoids. Additionally, it contains another antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG and amino acid L-theanine.

Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamin B and include riboflavin and niacin which makes them a powerful immunity food. You can sauté, grill or roast mushrooms and make delicious meals out of them that taste good and are beneficial for the body as well.

Watermelons are counted among top fruits that boost the immune system and their mouth-watering taste only enhances their appeal. The fruit is filled with potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C which makes it a powerful immune booster. A simple serving of this fruit every day can go a long way in keeping your body healthy.

Papaya is another fruit that has essential vitamins for the immune system and can have a significant impact on your overall health. It also has a digestive enzyme called papain which is good for the digestive system along with potassium, B vitamins, and folate.

Spinach is considered a superfood that can boost your immune system as it’s rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and beta carotene. It enhances the body’s ability to fight infections and is overall considered a very healthy food. Spinach should be eaten lightly cooked as it allows nutrients to be released from oxalic acid.

Eating healthy impacts your overall body and helps you function at your fullest. Toronto School of Management has continuously assisted students in taking necessary steps for a bright future by providing them with suitable courses. Ensuring you’re healthy is just as important and we encourage you to put your wellbeing before anything else.