Foods to boost the immune system and improve general health
What we eat will directly affect our health. The body needs vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and other nutrients essential for the body and well-being.
At the same time, our body is constantly plagued by several bacteria and viruses. And, if the immune system is weakened, we get sick.
A weakened immune system can have several causes: stress, undernourishment, chronic diseases, etc. Here in this article, we will look at 11 foods that can boost your immune system – and also improve your general health and well-being.
And it is precisely this component that is beneficial to your health. Indeed, it has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. (allicin also gives garlic its characteristic pungent odor.) So, even if the smell is not to everyone’s taste, you can easily enjoy the benefits of garlic by adding it to garnish your sauce, etc.
1. Beef
Yes quite! If we talk about it, it’s because of its high zinc content. In fact, zinc deficiency is one of the most frequent nutritional deficiencies. However, in recent years, more and more people have changed their eating habits. For example, they become vegetarians. Or they decide to stop eating beef (or other red meats, by the way).
It is not surprising that zinc deficiency is one of the main reasons why you get sick. Zinc is a metal that strengthens our immune system, but it’s not only found in red meat. Although in smaller quantities, these other foods also contain zinc: oysters, milk and yogurt, poultry, and pork.
2. Mushrooms
Some varieties of mushrooms strengthen the immune system. They act on the body by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Fungi increase the production of cytokines – molecules that fight infections. They also contain polysaccharides essential to the immune system.
But beware: not all mushrooms have the same content of cytokines and polysaccharides! Choose oyster mushrooms with oyster mushrooms.
But the best is to consume Asian mushrooms such as shiitake, maïtake or reishi. These three fungi of Asian origin are easily found in many countries. You can find it in France, fresh or dried, in organic stores or stores selling Asian products.
3. Sweet potato
The immune system is not just limited to the different components of the blood. It also includes the organs and in particular, the skin.
If we consider the size, the skin is the most important organ of the human body. This means that it is also the biggest defense between the body and bacteria/viruses.
Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin. For your vitamin A intake, we recommend sweet potato. Sweet potato has a high beta-carotene content.
This pigment is transformed into vitamin A and contributes to the formation of the connective tissue of the skin. You can vary your vitamin A intake by eating other foods with considerable beta-carotene content: melon, carrot, pumpkin, etc.
4. Cauliflower Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower:
Most notably, they all contain glutathione, a natural remedy for viruses. Basically, these 3 foods are beneficial to the general health of the body. But, they are also a great source of choline. This essential nutrient repels bacteria from the body, keeps cells functioning, and improves the health of the digestive system.
5. Fish
We cannot stress enough about the nutritional importance of this food. Fish, like oysters, lobster, crab, and clams, can help the body produce cytokine. Do you remember the cytokine? It has been talked about as one of the benefits of mushrooms.
6. Garlic
It is one of the foods most recognized for its beneficial properties, including for fighting bacteria and viruses. Garlic is part of the Allium genus – there are also leeks, onions, cultivated garlic, shallots, spring onions, and chives. But, what sets garlic apart from these other foods is its high allicin content.
7. Tea
The secret of the immune benefits of tea is its high amino acid content. Green tea and black tea both have an abundance of theanine (not to be confused with theine ).
This substance is important to the body because it will supply it with interferon. And it’s this protein that will fight viruses (especially the flu virus) – even in teas that do not contain caffeine/theine!
These proteins are of great help in eradicating the flu virus. And let’s not forget that fish and shellfish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Are you looking for recipes to prepare fish? We suggest our hake filet with lemon sauce in the oven or our cod crumble.
8. Grapefruit
The benefits of citrus fruits have been known for a long time. No need to detail the virtues of vitamin C, which is found in grapefruits, oranges, lemons, etc.
However, it should be noted that red grapefruit has a particularly high content of flavonoids. These pigments are an excellent source of antioxidants and play an important role in strengthening the immune system.
9. Honey
Honey has several benefits. It can relieve your sore throat by coating it with a protective layer. Besides, it is packed with antioxidants and can provide effective antimicrobial protection. The benefits of honey are many. You can discover some of them in our article: 12 Honey-Based Grandmother Remedies.
10. Yogurt
Did you know that there is a difference between a yogurt that helps digestion and yogurt that strengthens your immune system? The difference lies in a lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus reuteri.
