Immune System Enhancer
Posted in category: Health News, Health therapy at: November 8, 2011 by admin
The immune system is your body’s main defense. Good nutrition is one of the most important factor in maintaining a healthy immune system. What nutrients?
The immune system consists of a group of organized tissues and cells, which serve to protect the body from allergens, bacteria, viruses and other organisms.
Here are some important nutrients that can boost the immune system, as reported by Livestrong
1. Citrus fruit
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant known to fight infections and keeps you healthy. Vitamin C boosts the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells and antibodies, compounds essential for the immune response. Vitamin C may also reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a member of the onion family with the potential to boost immunity. Garlic stimulates the replication of infection-fighting, white blood cells, increase natural killer cell activity and increase the efficiency of antibody.
Stinging scent of garlic because they contain sulfur compounds known as allicin. These compounds are antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Garlic is a natural antioxidant that reduces free radicals in the bloodstream and protect against tumor formation.
3. Yogurt
Probiotics or good bacteria found in your digestive tract. When you are sick, symbiotic or natural balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut becomes a draw. Eating yogurt with live bacterial cultures may help restore healthy bacteria. Yogurt is also a source of the mineral selenium, an antioxidant that increases killer cells and mobilizes against cancer cells.
4. Green tea
Green tea is rich in polyphenols or plant antioxidants, which protect the body against microorganisms and inhibit cancer cell growth. Polyphenols protect the body against oxidative damage from free radicals and harmful components that cause premature aging.
5. Ginger
The active component in ginger root is found in essential oils. Gingerol and shogalo are phenolic compounds that provide a sense of ginger and are keen on drugs. Ginger is often recommended as a tea or warm water for bathing because of ginger increases sweat production when warm. It helps the body rid itself of germs and toxins. Ginger can also relieve heartburn, nausea, vomiting, migraine and acts as an anti-inflammatory agents.
6. Fish and shellfish
Fish contain a variety of compounds to enhance immunity, including omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidant selenium. Omega-3 fatty acids found primarily in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, trout and herring as well as flax, increase the activity of phagocytes.
Phagocytes are white blood cells that ingest bacteria and protects the body against infection. Selenium helps the body in the production of cytokines, proteins that eliminate the virus from the body.
7. Red and orange vegetables
Peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, squash, carrots and other brightly colored vegetables rich in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene increases the number of natural killer cells, fight infection and help the T cells, it is necessary for immune response. The body converts beta-carotene from food into vitamin A. Vitamin A is the first line against the disease.
8. Broccoli
With bright colors and dense florets green, broccoli is a member of the calciferous vegetables. Broccoli is rich in vitamins A, C and E, which makes it an antioxidant powerhouse. Broccoli contains glucosinolates, which stimulates the immune system and sulforaphanes, which is a potent anti-cancer agents.
