A healthy, balanced diet very much plays an important role in maintaining well-being. However, sometimes certain foods can be beneficial to boost your immune system instead. The following foods can aid to enhance the immune system: Foods that stimulate the appetite All humans enjoy some form of food every day. However, some of these foods can stimulate appetite and promote weight loss. Some of these are:
Fruits and vegetables contain various types of polyphenols. These substances may reduce the activity of the herpes simplex virus that causes colds and flu. Some fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, contain high levels of proanthocyanidins. This compound may reduce the risk of cold and flu, as well as other viral diseases. Some vegetables, like spinach, may reduce inflammation of the lining of the esophagus that is associated with sore throats, and some citrus fruits may reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.
Nuts are an excellent source of vitamin e. This substance is an important part of the protective antioxidant complex. Antioxidants are chemicals that have many positive effects on the body. The most common effect of antioxidant compounds is the neutralization of free radicals (those molecules that cause disease) or the repair of DNA damage. Some foods that may reduce the risk of cold and flu:
Some of the most delicious foods also help to improve your immune system. For example, a glass of orange juice with a little bit of honey or lemon provides the antioxidants necessary for good health. There are no reported negative effects on immunity when consuming orange juice. Other fruits that provide antioxidants to the body are strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, and red bell peppers.
Kefir is a food that you probably haven’t heard of but contains a surprising amount of nutrients. This food is a culture of yeast – the same one that makes cheeses like brie and goat cheese. It is a type of bread that is rich in protein, fat, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Eating this type of bread daily can boost your immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells that produce antibodies. These cells are needed to fight off infection.
Flavonoids are also known to have a positive effect on the immune response. Some of the most exciting flavonoids are those with phytonutrients. Phytonutrients work as antioxidants to neutralize harmful substances in the body, including the cells that produce the immune response. Some phytonutrients found in some plants, such as quercetin and quercitrin, may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Quercetin also has some antioxidant effects, which may help to improve immune response and may contribute to lowering cholesterol. Flavonoids have similar antioxidant effects in laboratory studies and appear to be useful for heart health. Some of the flavonoids in red wine, another common source of antioxidants, may also have positive effects on the heart. In fact, a recent study showed that drinking two cups of red wine a day was linked to a decreased risk of heart disease. Since most people do not drink that much red wine, these findings may help make it easier for you to include it as part of your diet.
Other foods that boost the immune system include soybeans, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes (fresh or canned), apples, garlic, and fish. As you can see, there are a lot of foods that help your body stay healthy and fight off disease. Of course, what you eat is important. It is not just a matter of diet; eating the right foods can keep you healthy and prevent illness for years to come.