Prevention is better than cure! All of us would have heard that but most of us resort to remedial actions to cure our illnesses only after we have suffered from them. Hectic schedules, increasing pollution, deteriorating food quality and unpredictable weather changes have all made us extremely prone to cold, flu and other infection related ailments.
Have we even wondered why? Only because our immune system is not strong enough to fight these infection causing bacteria and viruses. So how about taking a preventive action instead of remedial action to keep ourselves away from reach of infections and illnesses?
Following are ten foods that affect your immune system
- Citrus foods – Taking ample amount of citrus foods is one of the best ways to boos immune your immune system. The rationale behind is that these contain Vitamin C which is responsible for production of white blood cell in human body. It is the duty of white blood cells to fight infections and safeguard us from cold and flu.
- Yoghurt – Yoghurt is known for its probiotic and Vitamin D contents which keep your gut and intestines clean and infection free. Those who consume a bowl of yoghurt everyday are boosting their immunity as well besides keeping their digestive system healthy. Taking fresh home-made yoghurt everyday is as good as, in fact even better than taking artificial probiotics in order to strengthen your immune system and keeps your body fighting infection causing germs.
- Garlic – A very versatile food, it can be used in most of the recipes being prepared in your kitchen and would surely enhance flavor as well as nutritional value of all of them. What more could you want? Garlic helps build a stronger immune system since it contains allicin which is scientifically known for fighting bacteria and other infections. Regular intake of garlic also reduces risks of cancer, heart diseases and high choloestrol.
- Ginger – Ginger is one ingredient that most Indian mothers turn to when someone in family has already caught cold. How about resorting to it even much before. Include ginger in your daily diet and experience your body fighting colds and other infections like never before. And it can be used in numerous ways. You could add it while cooking curries, rice, noodles and while preparing juices and tea too.
- Spinach – Most people know that spinach tops the list of iron rich vegetarian food but how many of you have known that it contains a higher amount of Vitamin C than iron. By now we already know that Vitamin C rich foods are responsible for a robust immune system. Hence including spinach in our diet is another amazing way of enhancing the power of our immune system. Moreover, high amounts of beta-carotene and antioxidants contained in spinach raise the ability of our body to fight threats posed by infections.
- Cruciferous vegetables – Cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, turnip etc. are all cruciferous vegetables. These are a healthy source of antioxidants and vitamins which perform the job of building up and maintaining a powerful immune system and prevent infections from entering our body. These veges are also rich in Choline which ensures a lively gastrointestinal system and restrains bacteria to the gut.
- Green tea – Green tea is a storehouse of flavonoids, an anti-oxidant. It also has L-theanine in abundance which boost immunity to a great extent. Considering the other numerous health benefits that green tea has, having several cups of it everyday is a very healthy habit.
- Turmeric – It is a spice used in every Indian kitchen. Turmeric is a very healthy spice to use owing to its anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Boiling some turmeric in milk and taking it while hot is an ancient Indian ayurvedic home remedy to combat cold and cough. In fact it is also helpful in quick healing of cuts, bruises and internal injuries.
- Carrots – An excellent way of nourishing our body with Vitamin A, C, B6, calcium and magnesium, carrots also possess beta-carotene in large amounts. This nutrient’s job is fortify mucus membrane of our body so that bacteria is barred from entering into the blood stream, hence safeguarding us from infections.
- Cinnamon – Another wonderful spice, cinnamon is one extremely versatile ingredient that can be added to almost any food you eat or beverages you drink. Just add it while cooking or sprinkle it after your stuff is prepared. Besides giving a flavorful aroma to your food, the spice is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral qualities. In addition to improving your immune system, cinnamon practically encounters disease causing pathogens.
