Immune Boosting Foods By Jodi M

1: Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against infection and can strengthen immune system functions. It makes getting into the body difficult for viruses because it helps produce white bloods cells and antibodies.
2: Vitamin E: Studies show that vitamin E can produce particularly strong immune systems. This nutrient produces B-cells which destroy bacteria in the body and, in turn, keep us from getting sick.
3: Beta-Carotene: Beta-Carotene is a key ingredient for immune system health. It aids in producing infection-killing cells and helper T cells. In order to use beta-carotene, however, vegetables must be eaten raw or lightly steamed. Keep this in mind while preparing your immune boosting meals.
4: Zinc: Studies have shown that a deficiency in Zinc can impair a number of white blood cells making the body highly susceptible to infection and the common cold. Too much Zinc, however, can also be harmful, so just obtain an adequate amount from foods like oysters, liver, lean beef, pork, garbanzo beans, and yogurt.
5: Omega 3 fats: Omega 3 fats are essential in boosting a weak immune system because they increase the activity of phagocytes, bacteria fighting white blood cells, and strengthen cell membranes, which speed up healing. Foods rich in Omega 3 fats include fish, flaxseeds, eggs, and nuts.

1. Pumpkin
Pumpkins are good for more than just Halloween decorations. They are rich in Beta-Carotene, which is a nutrient that the body breaks down to make vitamin A. Vitamin A helps the proteins that regulate cell-to-cell communication, which is the foundation of the immune system. If you don't care for pumpkin you can always go for another orange vegetable such as carrots or sweet potatoes, just remember the more intense the color, the more nutritious it is!
2. Green Tea
Green tea is high in compound EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate). This is a plant antioxidants which can inhibit a virus' ability to replicate. This helps provide an offensive strategy for preventing a cold, and also boosts the body's overall immune system health.
3. Fish
Eating a diet that contains fish will provide your body with highly beneficial Omega 3 fats. Omega 3 fats are essential in boosting a weak immune system because they increase the activity of phagocytes. Phagocytes are bacteria fighting white blood cells which strengthen cell membranes and speed up healing.
4. Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers are good source of phytochemicals as well as Beta-Carotenes and Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against infection and enhances immunity. It helps make it difficult for viruses to enter the body by producing white blood cells and antibodies.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt helps improve immune system health in two ways. First, it contains zinc. Zinc is very good at protecting the body against colds and the flu. Yogurt also contains good bacteria called probiotics, which can lead to an improved immune response by increasing the body's white blood cell count.

1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene. When eaten with garlic and oregano tomatoes can pack a powerful immune boosting punch.
2. Garlic
Much of the immune-boosting properties of garlic come from its sulfur-containing compounds which are effective against bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. They also enhance the immune system and have anti-tumor and antioxidant features, which help guard cells from everyday wear and tear.
3. Oregano
Oregano is one of the highest antioxidant herbs due to its high content of phenolic acids and flavenoids. Oregano can help protect against the common cold, influenze, fevers and indigestion.
4. Oysters
Oysters are a good source of zinc. Again, Zinc is a great immune boosting substance.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is known as one of those "superfoods" because it is high in Vitamins A, C, and E. It is also high in glucosinolates which stimulate the body's immune system.