Even if you are surrounded with sneezing, coughing and sniffling people, you can stay well if you have a healthy immune system. You must have heard that avoiding processed foods and sugar can go a long way in keeping your immunity strengthened, but did you know that certain vegetables can help to give your immune system an extra boost.
We have already told you how to boost your immune system naturally. Here at OneHowTo.com. In this article we will tell you which are the best vegetables to boost your immune system and why.
Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts and Cauliflower
These cruciferous vegetables are not only rich in vitamins and antioxidants, but also give a boost to your immune system. They contain choline, which is an essential nutrient for a healthy diet. This vitamin is helpful in keeping your cells functioning properly, supporting a good gastro-intestinal barrier, and keeping bacteria confined safely within the gut.
As well as broccoli, cauliflower is one of the most recommended vegetables for boosting your immune system as it is rich in glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant which protects cells and helps fight off infections.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta carotene, which they have a bright orange color. These carotenes are important for the healthy functioning of the mucus membranes of the body which line your intestinal and respiratory tracts. They are important to the immune system as these membranes are the physical barrier which prevent foreign bacteria from entering the bloodstream, so good functioning is vital. Carrots are highly versatile and can be served raw as an appetizer, in salad, or in pickle or steamed forms, which taste good and soothe you when you are sick.
Mushroom
Mushrooms are known to increase the activity and production of white blood cells, thus making them more active, and helping in fighting against infections. Reishi, maitake and shiitake mushrooms have most nutrients that are required to boost your immunity. They are also rich in zinc, which is considered to be a major contributor towards boosting the immune system. People who have low zinc tend to have fewer white blood cells too, due to which they catch infections much earlier than other people.
Spinach, kale and Swiss chard
Green vegetables such as spinach, kale and Swiss chard are excellent foods that boost immunity. These contain vitamin C in high levels, which not only give a powerful punch of antioxidants to your body, but also helps in fighting off against infections. They also help in regenerating other antioxidants, including vitamin E, in your body. These vegetables also contain folic acid, which is another great immunity booster.
Onion
Onions contain allicin, an amazing compound that has excellent healing powers. In addition to healing and preventing cancer, the quercetin content in onions also make them an excellent food to treat allergies. It is also helpful in preventing heart disease, and reducing blood pressure.
Tomato
Tomatoes have beta carotene in high levels, which is an excellent antioxidant that helps in supporting immune system. It has high dietary fiber too, because of which it is healthy, and tastes delicious cooked or raw.
Beetroot
Rich in iron, beetroot is highly helpful in increasing production of white blood cells. It also stimulates red blood cells which improve oxygen supply to the body cells. Beetroot is also helpful in preventing heart disease and cancer, and their excellent detoxifying properties are good for the organs too. This vegetable is high in fiber, and is good for your digestive health as well.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
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