Food is not exactly medicine, but many of them have essential nutrients to keep the body in good condition. Among other things, ailments, acting on the immune system and making it more efficient. Sometimes it prevents us from falling ill, and at other times, it helps to reduce the symptoms of colds, flu, and other illnesses that affect us, especially in winter.
The following are some of the foods that experts recommend for their ability to influence the immune system.
1. Garlic:
Garlic is healthy for different reasons. Formerly it was used to fight infections because it is an effective antibacterial and antiviral and antifungal. It lowers blood pressure and slows the hardening of the arteries. Garlic's immunological properties are due to its considerable concentration of sulfur compounds such as allicin that prevents colds and fights fever.
2. Almonds:
The vitamin E they contain is the key to a healthy immune system. It is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means you need fat to absorb it properly. Almonds, as well as walnuts and other nuts, have both. About 46 raw skinned almonds provide almost the total recommended daily dose of vitamin E.
3. Blueberries:
It has a flavonoid compound called anthocyanin, which gives it its dark color, with antioxidant and protective properties. They are especially valuable for the defense system of the respiratory tract. One study found that people who consumed them in plenty were less likely to have respiratory infections and colds.
4. Sweet potatoes:
It contains abundant beta carotene, which in turn provides vitamin A, good for the skin, and that prevents damage caused by ultraviolet rays. They have few calories and the right proportion of fiber.
5. Broccoli:
It provides numerous minerals and vitamins, including A, C, and E, in addition to antioxidants and fiber. The best way to get all its nutrients is to cook it as little as possible or, better, take it raw.
6. Mushrooms:
Selenium, along with the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin, is one of its essential components to increase defenses. They are also rich in polysaccharides, molecules with sugar that trigger immune function.
7. Dark chocolate:
Its secret is theobromine, which protects white blood cells from free radicals. These are molecules that the body produces by breaking down the food we eat or when it comes into contact with pollutants and that contribute to our developing diseases. In any case, it is not convenient to skip doses because it has many calories and saturated fats.
8. Citrus:
Lemons, oranges, grapefruits, or tangerines stimulate, thanks to vitamin C, the production of white blood cells, the key to fighting infections. They are especially recommended to prevent colds. Since the body does not produce or store it on its own, you must eat foods that contain it every day.
9. Ginger:
It is one of the nutrients to which people resort when they are sick. It fights inflammation, such as those in the throat, and is also a palliative against nausea. Its spicy aftertaste is due to gingerol, a relative of capsaicin (which is what causes sure peppers to sting), which reduces chronic pain. It has cholesterol-fighting properties.
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