Immune System Boosting Herbs, Fruits and Supplements
Of all the human systems, the immune system protects us from the incidence of disease. The stronger the immune system, the lesser are you vulnerable to fall prey to disease-causing microbes. The immune system maintains an army of fighter cells that identify, lock and destroy the disease-causing agents. These fighter cells are white blood cells and are present in our blood. For combating specific diseases, one needs specialized fighter cells to be fully protected from diseases. So the question arises, how can one boost one’s strength and immunity?
A proverbial saying goes as follows: You are what you eat, and hence it can be inferred that your immunity depends on what you eat. If you eat healthily, you would have a stronger immune system. There are a lot of such foods that strengthen one’s immune system. This article lists several herbs, fruits, and supplements that improve human immunity.
Herbs
Garlic
Garlic is used as an herb and a spice all over the world. But only a few of us know that garlic has immune-boosting properties. The very peculiar smell and taste of garlic are because it contains sulfur. Sulfur compounds improve the disease-fighting response of the body and help white blood cells in their fight against the microbes. Consuming garlic in our diet helps us protect from diseases.
Ginger
Ginger is a medicinal herb packed with immune-boosting properties. We all know of the ginger tea. Ginger is very effective against inflammation of cells, soothes a sore throat and is very effective in nausea. Ginger tea can be used as a pain killer as it is effective in chronic pains.
Ginger also possesses cholesterol-lowering abilities and reduces the risk of heart and other
coronary diseases.
Turmeric
Turmeric has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used as an anti-septic in cuts and burns. Turmeric also has anti-bacterial properties and can be taken for quick healing. It helps relieve internal pain. Turmeric also possesses miraculous cancer-fighting abilities. The anticancer compounds prevent the spread of cancer in the body.
Green Tea
Green tea contains anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants cleanse the body of free radicals. Free radicals are produced when the body is exposed to sunlight or during the digestion of food. They are associated with a wide range of diseases. Green tea is an infection fighter and prevents the body from bacterial and viral infections. It boosts the growth and strength of white blood cells.
Green tea protects the body from respiratory diseases such as asthma, lung infection and
respiratory inflammation.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds cure cell damage and fight cancers. Sunflower seeds are abundant in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant and hence allows sunflower seeds to cleanse cancer causing agents off the body. Because of being rich in Vitamin E, sunflower seeds help maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Fruits
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is associated with boosting the immune system. Since the body cannot store this vitamin, foods that are rich in vitamin C must be made an essential part of the human diet. And none other than citrus fruits provide an ample supply of this essential nutrient. Popular citrus fruits include orange, lime, and lemon. Vitamin C is directly associated with the production of white blood cells which boost the immune system by fighting infections.
Papaya
Papaya is another fruit packed with nutrients. This fruit is an ultimate immune booster. The
digestive enzymes in this fruit help increase digestion by breaking down proteins. Papaya juice is an efficient home remedy for digestive problems such as constipation. Papaya also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and helps in healing burns and curing infections. Rich in antioxidants and a shield against free radicals, papaya fruit protects the body from possible heart diseases and cancers. Papaya also helps maintain blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Kiwi
Kiwi has plenty of health benefits. A large amount of Vitamin C and antioxidants contained in kiwi are helpful in the treatment of patients with asthma. Kiwi contains plenty of fibers that aid in digestion. Digestive enzymes in kiwi break down proteins during digestion. It is the general booster of the immune system and helps in the growth of white blood cells.
Avocado
Avocado is a source of heart-healthy fats. A diet rich in avocado helps prevent the growth of cancerous cells in the body. It keeps blood pressure under control and is excellent for heart health. Other than that, avocado works best on the skin and nourishes it by neutralizing free radicals. It lowers bad cholesterol levels allowing good cholesterol to function well. Avocado regulates blood sugar levels and improves digestion. Avocado is also helpful for eye health, immune system and prevents birth defects during pregnancy.
Supplements
Although fruits and herbs are a great source of nutrients to help boost your immune system, supplements are an alternate way to achieve the same ends. Supplements are essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs which are processed and refined for daily use.
Vitamin C is the biggest immune system booster. If you are lacking in this essential vitamin, you are more prone to fall prey to multiple diseases. Some natural sources of vitamin C have been described above. Other than that it is available in the form of manufactured supplements.
Vitamin B6 supports biochemical reactions. It has a direct impact on the strength of the human immune system.
Vitamin E is another supplement which boosts immunity by fighting off infections.
Elderberries are versatile when it comes to curing and healing. They treat cold and flu
symptoms; they are good for the human heart; improve blood sugar levels and are beneficial in type 2 diabetes; act as a natural source of anti-oxidants; reduce the levels of uric acid; act as pain killers; fight cancers and bacteria; have anti-depressant properties and boost the general health and well-being of the human body.
Sea Moss is another immune booster. It helps in healing the digestive system; improves the function of the thyroid gland; helps in the digestion of food; builds genetic material and oxygen carrier red blood cells; cures common cold and flu symptoms; contains anti-oxidants and vitamin C; fights viruses and microbial agents and positively boosts human mood.