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Immunity-Boosting Foods

Safeguard your body from flu season.

Posted on

8 January 2013

Posted by

ewfood

It is important to eat immune boosting foods all year round, not just during flu season. This will maintain the body’s health and energy levels year round. EW has compiled a list of eight immune boosting foods that are easy to include in the daily diet.

Immune Boosting FoodsOnions and garlic – these smelly roots may not do much for your breath but they go a long way in boosting the immune system, as well as having antiseptic properties. Garlic also assists in opening up clogged sinuses.

Mushrooms – there are so many different kinds of flavoursome mushrooms that enhance the aroma of any dish. Not only does this fungus taste great it increases the production of cytokines, cells that fight infection. The most potent mushrooms are the maitake and shitake.

Citrus fruits – citrus fruits are powerhouses of vitamin C and regular consumption can reduce cold symptoms drastically. Citrus fruits include lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit. Other foods that contain vitamin C are butternut squash, papaya, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.

Yoghurt – eating a yoghurt rich in Lactobacillus increases the body’s immunity. Not every yoghurt contains this ingredient so be sure to read the label. Lactobacillus is known for inhibiting a viruse’s ability to replicate itself, thus reducing the chance for illness to occur.

Tea – a hot cup of tea goes a long way in lifting one’s spirits. That is because herbal tea is filled with flavonoids which are potent anti oxidants and great immunity boosters. Coffee drinkers should replace one or two of their cuppas with herbal tea.

Honey – has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help fight infections from bacteria to viruses. It also coats the throat and assists in the reparation of vocal chords (in other words honey helps a person find their lost voice).

Black peppercorns – they make you sneeze but they are high in piperine, a compound known for its anti fever and pain relieving qualities.

Spices – all spices from turmeric to paprika and everything in between have immune boosting qualities and they make food taste great too.

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