Foods that Help the Immune System

There are a number of foods that really help to boost your immune system, and therefore, lower your risks of many types of infections. I'd like to list several food ideas in this article, and tell exactly what they do to build up the body's immune system.

1. Legumes are great infection fighting foods since they carry zinc. Zinc is a wonderful mineral when it comes to strengthening the white blood cells. Our white blood cells are what keeps us from getting infections in the first place. Your legumes are foods such as:

Snow Peas

Dried Beans

Lentils

Zinc has the capability of building up the white blood cells and kills off cells that initiate cancers. Zinc also has another great ability, and that is building up the T-cells which play a large role in the body being able to fight off infections.

2. Berries such as blueberries and cranberries are both great foods to help fight off urinary tract infections. Try eating one cup of either fruit and your urinary tract infection will diminish if you already have one, or prevent the onset of one.Cranberries have acids that prevent E.Coli bacteria in the urinary tract from sticking around, and blueberries carry natural aspirin and a certain number of acids that will break down E. Coli. in the urinary tract.

3. Red Onions are not only a great addition to salads, but a great natural source for preventing colds and flu viruses. Red Onions have several phytochemicals that are infection-fighting.

4. Green Tea along with black tea both contain an antibiotic which is natural. Drinking a cup of green tea has also been known to cure intestinal types of flu causing diarrhea.

5. Whole grains such as oats, (my favorite), brewer's yeast, tomatoes and potatoes contain chromium. Most people don't think about chromium or really hear about it too much, but this substance when you get enough of this into your diet, is another white cell builder just as zinc is. Chromium also lowers the risk of full-blown diabetes.

6. Almonds are not only a great tasting nut, (I love them,) but they are packed with oils which our bodies need daily. One of the infection-fighting benefits to almonds is in the Vitamin E they contain. Vitamin E is almost like taking a supplemental vaccination for the flu bug. The vitamin has capabilities of giving our immune system a powerful boost. Eating a steady diet then, of almonds or walnuts, can only create better health.

7. Asparagus spears are helpful in the process of fighting off infections due to the fact that one cup contains up to 40 percent of Vitamin C, which is a natural cold and flu fighter. To receive even more Vitamin C, eat one orange which is loaded with it, especially if you think you are coming down with a cold.

8. Carrots are another vegetable source that can help fend off infections since they are rich in beta-carotene. They have beta-carotene in the form of the Vitamin A. Getting the right amount of Vitamin A every day provides your immune system with protection from many viruses.

So as you can see, through the right food sources, you should be able to maintain a healthier body which stays free from sickness all year long! Why not include more of them in your diet starting now?