 |
|
Healthy Diet Plans >>
Fitness Articles >>
Foods For Immunity |
Healthy Diet To Boost Our Immune SystemWhat is immune system? Every day our body is attacked by a wide range of bacteria and viruses. These come from the food that we eat or through the air we breathe. Then there are allergens in the atmosphere - dust, dander from pets and molds. Our immune system is the defense mechanism that helps us ward off all these dangers to our body and keeps us healthy. When we fall ill, it is our immune system which fights the germs and helps us to recover quickly.
Our bodies are also subject to free radicals, which damage, destroy and alter healthy cells, by causing them to mutate.
This leads to serious diseases like cancer or heart disease. Again it is our immune system which carries on the fight against these free radicals.
Foods That Make Stronger Immune SystemFoods which strengthen the immune system: There are various foods which help to make the immune system stronger and keep us free from disease. These foods may contain anti-oxidants which fight free radicals; or they may provide vitamins and minerals to boost immunity against ailments like colds and coughs.
Eating these foods ensures that we arm the immune system to prevent future ailments.
Whole grains: Oats, barley, brown rice, buckwheat (kasha), millet and quinoa are some of the whole grains which provide valuable minerals, vitamins and fiber, which help to strengthen the immune system. Fiber acts by strengthening the digestive system, preventing intestinal infections and helping to eliminate the toxins in the colon.
Vegetables: Vegetables are the best soldiers for the body’s immunity system.
They abound in phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, all of which give protection to the body from various diseases. They also provide anti-oxidants to fight diseases like cancer. Dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek, collards and kale are among the best sources of antioxidants.
Also include orange and yellow vegetables which provide beta-carotene, like pumpkin, cantaloupes, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and red peppers. Try to have them raw as much as possible or have them lightly steamed or sautéed.
Fresh fruit: Include plenty of fresh fruit in your daily diet since they too are rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals. You can also eat them separately as a snack, as this aids better digestion. Berries especially have cancer-preventive substances. Oranges, limes, lemons, apples, water-melons are very good for cleansing the system as well. Since fruits have higher levels of sugar, eat them in moderate quantities and avoid concentrated juices in case you suffer from diabetes or yeasts infections like thrush or candida.
Proteins: Proteins help build tissues and lean muscle. They also help the immune system by producing cells rapidly. Include protein in your diet by consuming poultry, meat and fish, especially those which have high contents of Omega-3 fatty acids (sardines, salmon, trout, tuna and mackerel). Seeds and nuts are also good sources of proteins. Dairy products may have high proteins, but it is not advisable to consume too much since they can lead to digestive problems, mucous and yeast infections. Vegetarians can get their proteins from beans, legumes and soy products.
Other foods which are helpful are ginger, garlic, onions, mushrooms, turmeric and sea vegetables.
Water: Water helps the kidneys and liver by flushing out toxins, and thus maintaining a healthy body. It is advisable to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. |
| Submitted on June 29, 2009 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
15 Slimming Foods for the Summer | Diet Plan | Cooling Foods | fruits and salads - May, 2010
Bratty Diet - Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Tea, Toast, Yogurt Diet - Mar, 2010
List of 21 Fresh Fruits And Vegetables For Fresh Healthy Nutrition - Nov, 2009
Fruits And Vegetables Nutrition Facts And Health Benefits - Jul, 2009
Cool Summer Food Ideas With Easy Summer Foods - May, 2009
21 Right Foods For Weight Reduction - Mar, 2009
51 Healthy Foods To Eat For Healthy Living - Feb, 2009
Healthy Winter Foods and Nutrition for Healthy Living - Jan, 2009
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
