It’s that time of the year when flu and cold are in town, so it’s the perfect time to start thinking about strengthening your immune system, and the first step is to go to a nearby supermarket! Feeding your organism certain foods will surely strengthen the immune system, and we bring you the foods that are best for that.
Citrus fruits
Most people reach for vitamin C after the first symptoms of a cold or flu. But did you know that it is citrus fruit, which is rich in vitamin C, at the top of the list of all foods that strengthen the immune system. Specifically, vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, the key to fight infections. Since your body does not produce vitamin C nor can it store it, it is important to enter it daily. Almost all citrus fruits contain a large amount of vitamin C, and it is enough that you squeeze their juice out in a dish such as salad.
Red peppers
Vitamin C not only strengthens the immune system, but keeps your skin healthy and beautiful. Do you think that citrus fruit has the most vitamin C? Think again, because red peppers contains almost twice as much vitamin C, and it is also an excellent source of beta carotene.
Broccoli
It contains a large number of minerals and vitamins that are ready to fight with any germs and bacteria. It is full of vitamins A, C and E, as well as numerous antioxidants. Broccoli is one of the healthiest foods you can put on the table. Cook it as little as possible in order to retain all therapeutic characteristics.
Garlic
You’ll find it in almost every kitchen world. He is not only a spice, but also one of the best foods for your health. In history it was used to fight infections, and modern science has shown that garlic helps to regulate cholesterol levels and prevents hardening of the arteries.
Ginger
Although it is used as an addition to many sweets, ginger can be consume in different ways. He helps with chronic pain, has proven to be effective in lowering cholesterol, and is an excellent fighter against the cold. Gingerol is the one who gives ginger gives a taste and smell, and some researches suggest that it also has anticancer benefits.
Spinach
It is an excellent source of vitamin C and a number of antioxidants and beta carotene, which have proven effective in the fight against infection. Same as with broccoli, spinach needs to be cooked as little as possible in order to keep all the medicinal properties. What’s great is that you can prepare in various ways and serve it as a side dish.
Turmeric
This spice has anti-inflammatory properties, relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis and arthritis. High amounts of curcumin, which gives turmeric its recognizable color, works great in the fight against colds and flu.
Green tea
Green and black teas are rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants. However, green tea is slightly more efficient because it contains EGCG, also a powerful antioxidant. The fermentation process, through which black tea passes, destroys EGCG. Antioxidants will reduce the amount of free radicals in the body which are responsible for a number of diseases, as well as to premature aging of the skin.
