5 Foods To Strengthen The Immune System
Healthy habits are essential at any age to maintain a good physical and emotional state. Frequent exercise and a balanced diet, without processed products, are the key to preventing even serious illnesses. For this reason, today we present 5 foods that you will need to strengthen the immune system.
The immune system represents the body’s defense against infections, viruses or bacteria that can weaken and undermine the organism. When it functions normally, it reacts quickly to infectious agents that could attack it.
As a preventative measure, knowing which types of foods can strengthen the immune system is essential if you want to keep your defenses always on top. So let’s see what is best to eat in order to guarantee your body the best possible well-being.
5 foods to strengthen the immune system
1. Fruits and vegetables
The fruits that help strengthen the immune system are mainly citrus fruits. Orange, lemon or grapefruit contain vitamin C, which facilitates the absorption of iron and, in addition, provide antioxidants and folic acid. This is why they are essential for strengthening the body, especially in winter.
On the other hand, when we talk about foods useful for strengthening the immune system, you can also opt for dishes based on “multicolored” vegetables. This means that the more varied the incorporation of vegetables, the greater the benefits for the body.
Vegetables offer a high percentage of micronutrients such as zinc, iron, selenium, copper, and essential elements such as beta-carotene. In addition, they too are rich in vitamins A, B6, E and C.
2. Probiotics or fermented foods
Another factor to consider for strengthening the immune system are so-called “live element” foods. Probiotics serve to improve the functioning of the digestive system by controlling and regulating the bacterial flora.
Yogurt, kefir and some varieties of cheeses, among others, offer supplementary doses of probiotics in ideal quantities to regulate the intestinal flora. The stomach not only needs to be protected from pathogenic bacteria that could attack it, but it also needs to be strengthened against the excessive use of drugs which, in some cases, create serious imbalances.
3. Green tea
Replacing coffee with green tea ( Camellia sinensis ) is certainly a great idea if you want to strengthen the immune system. This is thanks to epigallocatechin gallate (or EGCG), the powerful component of this herb that also contains catechin, an excellent antioxidant capable of preventing various diseases of the immune system.
The most recommended green tea for medicinal purposes is that which is sold in the form of an herb. Daily intake may vary but should not be exceeded: do not exceed 3 cups per day. EGCG renews cells and protects them from damage ranging from smog to stress, creating a valuable shield against other diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.
4. Turmeric: a cure-all for strengthening the immune system
This spice has long been part of Indian cuisine, as it is very nutritious and is used in almost all of its dishes. The benefits it brings are as abundant as the flavor it adds. It is mainly known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
When you taste Indian food you can always appreciate the lightness and ease of digestion. This is given, among other things, by the presence of turmeric. But it also serves as a natural medicine in case of digestive problems and as a detoxifier for the liver. Keep in mind that it is a powerful energizer for the heart.
5. Almonds
The consumption of this dried fruit is highly recommended when you want to strengthen the immune system. One of his major contributions concerns the intake of vitamin E and calcium. These properties improve the health of skin and bones, nails and hair. In addition, just 10 almonds a day are enough to level the production of red blood cells.
Almonds are recommended for all ages and all physical states. Both to prevent anemia and to lose weight. Therefore, including this food in your diet will mean a great benefit for your body, as well as being a delicacy for the palate.
Finally, we remind you that in addition to these 5 foods to strengthen the immune system, a healthy body needs exercise, adequate rest and fun. Art, music, yoga are gifts of life that you can always enjoy to preserve the integral health of the organism, at the level of the mind but also of the spirit.
