Want an immunity boost?
Here
are the top 10 foods, readily available to us and inexpensive that when
consumed will boost your body’s immunity;
Garlic
Want to protect yourself from coughs,
colds, flu, and other unpleasant illnesses? Try adding a couple of cloves of
garlic – raw, if possible - to your evening meal. Garlic not only contains
powerful toxin-battling antioxidants, it also hosts a naturally-occurring
chemical called allicin, which reacts with the blood to create a product
capable of killing off harmful bacteria and viruses. Just have the chewing gum
on standby…
Green Tea
The Chinese have raved about the health
benefits of green tea for centuries, and, hundreds of years later, it turns out
they were spot on: the refreshing beverage is abnormally high in antioxidants.
“Antioxidants protect the body from over-production of free radicals, which
cause damage to proteins, fats, carbohydrates and DNA in the body,” says Dr
Elisabeth Weichselbaum, an expert from the British Nutrition Foundation. Pick
up a box from your supermarket and reap the benefits.
Onion
Not keen on garlic? Try onions– the
pungent bulbs contain a powerful natural chemical called quercetin, which can boost
the immune system’s defenses against bacterial infections and viruses, reduce
inflammation and bloating in the body, ease digestion and detoxify the blood.
Add to this the lowering of cholesterol in the blood stream, the safe destruction
of food poisoning bacteria E.coli and salmonella, and we’re all wondering why
we don’t eat onions more often
Carrots
Ever wondered why Bugs Bunny never came
down with the flu? We suspect his diet of carrots, carrots and more carrots may
have had something to do with it. The orange vegetable contains high amounts of
beta carotene, which is a powerful plant nutrient that boosts the immune
system’s production of infection-fighting white blood cells. To get the most
out of your carrots, eat them raw – try shredding a few over a tasty salad, or
blend into a smoothie
Chilli
Aside from the fact that chilli is
great for boosting the metabolism, a single pepper also contains a full day’s
supply of beta carotene and twice your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C
– an essential antioxidant that helps to battle toxins and foreign bodies in
the blood stream. So ditch the buckets of orange juice, and opt for adding a
spicy low calorie chilli to your meals instead. Not bad for the sinuses either
if you’re blocked up with a cold…
Ginger
Got a sore tummy? Along with
peppermint, ginger is one of the best foods you can eat to aid digestion and
fight inflammation in the stomach - which can even make for a flatter tummy if
it’s consumed as part of a balanced, low-calorie diet. Ginger is also a
powerful antioxidant, and can also help to stimulate your circulation, aiding
detoxification, and cleanse the colon. Try slicing a small amount into a stir
fry or opt for some ginger herbal tea for a great caffeine-free after-dinner
drink.
Yogurt
Eating live, foreign bacteria may seem
a little strange, but consuming the types of natural organisms found in yogurt
can actually do your immune system the world of good. Natural, plain yogurt
contains “good bacteria” that is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive
system, while some even help fight harmful bacteria like salmonella and even
viral infections. Try to include a serving with your breakfast, or as part of a
smoothie.
Leafy Greens
Nutrient-rich leafy greens such as
kale, spinach, mustard greens and turnip greens are packed full of beta
carotene, vitamins A, C, iron and zinc, and also vitamin E, which can be
difficult to find in large quantities in the diet. Why not steam together for a
delicious hot salad, or add to soups or stir fries for a bit of variety?
Sweet Potatoes
There is no better way to top up our
vitamin A and beta carotene levels than snacking on a bowl of sweet potato
wedges. Not only are they full to the brim with anti-oxidising nutrients, but
they’re also a great source of fibre and slow-release energy, keeping your
blood sugar levels at a regular pace, and tackling fatigue head-on. Peel, cut
into
Water
One of the best ways to flush toxins
out of your system is my drinking water, water and more water. Make sure you
drink plenty of water. It’s inexpensive and is your body’s best defense against
dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration can include fatigue, headaches, weakness,
nausea and even muscle cramps, so it makes sense to keep your fluid levels
topped up, especially if you’re feeling under the weather. Try to aim for
drinking at least two litres of water a day – more if you exercise.
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