As easy as protection against illnesses and diseases, the immune system works not as simply as it sounds. It has a complex system and cycles that ordinary people may not completely understand. Yet, it’s end goal is definitely to protect your body from any harmful risk to your health.
Our body produces its own defense mechanism to fight any foreign matter that enters the body. But it will need help to gain its optimal function such as vitamins and minerals that our body doesn’t normally produce. Where we get it is simply through the foods and drinks we intake. Let’s take a look at the essential nutrients that play a part in boosting our immune.
Essential Nutrients That Boost Immune System
There’s a selection of foods to get them to supplement our daily dietary needs. These foods help us in various ways from strengthening our muscles and bones, faster recovery from illnesses, for growth and development and in boosting our body’s defense system. Let’s first learn these essential nutrients that help boost the immune system. Here are power nutrients to help boost it:
1. Vitamin C
2. Vitamin E
3. Zinc
4. Carotenoids
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
6. Probiotics
7. Vitamin D
10 Immune-Boosting Drinks
Some people love to get these boosts from drinking rather. Also, drinking these vitamins and minerals are easier absorbed by our body. So, getting them really through a drink is really much better. Here we provide you the ten immune-boosting drinks you can be enriched and enjoy!
1. Orange, Carrot and Apple
Orange, knowing the fact that it is a citrus fruit, is known as well for its great taste. Apples are also known for its rich vitamin C level. More concentration than in orange and also rich in antioxidants. Potassium is also rich in apples which can benefit the heart. Carrots are rich in vitamin B that is linked in promoting better immune response.
Carrots, apples, and oranges are great mixes for your body to protect itself and counter diseases. The pungency of the green apple truly cuts through the sweetness of the carrots and oranges. If you don’t have an orange juice juicer you can also use a blender.
2. Celery, Tomato and Kale
Green vegetables are rich in phytonutrients but it also includes high levels of vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system. Kale is juce that includes celery and tomato provide enough vitamin A. They are also enriched with vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, iron and fatty acids.
This mix also fights off infection and regenerates other antioxidants in the body including vitamin E. Tomato does the job which is rich with lycopene that makes the skin supple and free from discoloration.
Lastly, this mix has anti-inflammatory and calming benefits.
3. Grapefruit and Cinnamon
Grapefruit is packed with vitamin C. The red and pink varieties are great choices because these colors indicate bioflavonoids, a kind of phytonutrient. Also, if you are sick and your taste bud does not work well but grapefruit helps in keep up your appetite.
Cinnamon is an antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal machine. It also fights the pathogens that cause illness. So, it does more than boosting the immune system.
You can halve the grapefruit, broil it for a minute or two, then dust it with cinnamon. You can also add cinnamon in your coffee, oatmeal or hot chocolate drink.
4. Turmeric and Ginger
Ginger and turmeric are known to have a distinctive taste but these have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They don’t only help boost the immune system but also aid in treating and preventing several chronic conditions.
Both ginger and turmeric can be consumed fresh, dried or ground. As a drink, you may add honey to give it a little sweet taste.
5. Beet and Watermelon
Eating beets may boost your immune system and prevent chronic diseases. Nutrients such vitamins C, folate, manganese, iron and phytochemicals are found in beets. The same nutrients boost your immune system.
Watermelon helps your immune system and aids muscle soreness. Muscle soreness is a typical side effect of cold virus. It is rich in vitamin A, potassium, zinc, lycopene and carotenoids.
Try juicing the beet and watermelon together to get the most nutrients from each one. Enjoy its taste and benefits.
6. Mango Chia
Mango is a good source of immune-boosting nutrients. Its vitamin C is 67%. It also has Vitamin E that also acts an anticancer and improves immunity in grown ups. It also has vitamin A, E, B, K and folate. Mangoes are sweet and a great drink whether juiced or blended.
Chia seeds have high antioxidants and vitamin contents that they help prevent and stop damage to our cells. Chia seeds can be added in your mango drink.
7. Green Tea and Matcha
Aside from being a common beverage. Green tea is known for its high antioxidant properties. This fact wards off diseases. It also has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses.
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea. One cup of matcha is equivalent to 10 cups of green tea. You can add little raw honey to taste.
8. Lemonade
You know what they say when life gives you lemon, make a lemonade. And it is easy to make. Lemon is one of those foods that has been used for ages to prevent the common cold. Lemonade is 98% vitamin C. It helps fight diseases such as malaria and cholera. Drinking it gives you relief from colds and fever.
The antioxidant content contained in lemons can also reduce respiratory infections such as viral or bacterial infections. Add fresh squeezed lemons to a pitcher with honey to taste and some mint leaves.
9. Pineapple, Apple and Orange
These three are power vitamin C-rich fruits. Pineapple is not just a source of vitamin C but also A and E. They are essential in boosting the immune system while giving the body additional additional effects such as healthier skin, clearer vision and antioxidants. Dietary fiber is also a large part that consists pineapple.
They just vary with their taste but all in all they produce almost the same results to your body. Either juiced or blended, all in all they taste great together.
10. Green Juice
This is a powerhouse of supplements for a robust immune system. A strong immune system followed by a stronger overall health. The best green juice recipe would include lettuce, spinach, celery, kale and pears. All the phytonutrients are concentrated in this drink and it will give you the best overall feeling of satisfaction in your health.
A veggie-heavy green juice can contain 36% of your daily prescribed potassium, 20% of every vitamin A, calcium, iron, no fat and 4 grams of protein. Juicing your own glass will probably net more nutrients.
Other Tips to Boost Immune System
Boosting your immune system from disease-fighting drinks is not the only thing you can do to fight against even simple illnesses such as colds or flu. Here are proven ways that you can take to support your immune system:
Stay Active
Stay on top of Stress
Get enough sleep
Watch your diet
Conclusion
In times of any health crisis, our immune system is our first line of defense. It is just very important to keep it up and stable. Along with enough rest and exercise, it makes wonders in your overall health both in the short and long run.
EcoBlueLife.com is a replacement water and air filter company located in the United States. The views and opinions contained herein are solely those of the original author and do not represent Eco Blue Life or its affiliates. This article was originally published on TheBerkey.com
