The immune system is the defense mechanism of the human body that protects it from various diseases, flus, and infections. The situation of COVID-19 pandemic has made strong immunity a need of the hour. Although researchers and scientists are working on understanding the virus and developing its vaccine, the only solution until then is a healthy immune system.
Immune system boosters
A stronger immune system has a direct relation to a healthy life and infection-fighting ability of the body. Some of the powerful immune system boosters that can help in building stronger immunity are as follows:
1. Citrus fruits
Vitamin C is synonymous to immunity, and almost every citrus fruit is a rich source of vitamin C. It produces the white blood cells in the body that form the front line warriors of the body to fight against infection. An adult male should consume at least 90mg of immunity booster vitamin C every day, while a woman should take 75mg. Some immunity-boosting fruits are:
•Lemon
•Orange
•Grapefruit
•Raspberries
2. Garlic
Garlic is a common ingredient in different recipes. Besides adding taste and flavour to them, it also helps in fighting infections. It helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol—the immune-boosting properties of garlic help in fighting skin infections, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
3. Ginger
Asians often use ginger as a spice in their food and tea. Besides adding fragrance and flavour, the bioactive compounds present in ginger ease the symptoms of nausea and cold. Similarly, its anti-inflammatory properties decrease inflammation and inflammatory illnesses. On the other hand, the antioxidants present in it reduce chronic pain on regular consumption.
4. Almonds
Almonds have a sufficient quantity of vitamin C and vitamin E in addition to healthy fat. It helps in preventing and fighting off colds. Since adults need about 15 mg of vitamin E daily, almonds are good to include in daily diet.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a critical ingredient in curries and is also an immune booster. While the chemical called curcumin, found in turmeric, helps in treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it is also an immunity booster. Turmeric is often consumed with lukewarm milk at night before bed for better immunity and to ease muscular tension.
6. Papaya
Unbelievably you will find double the daily recommended amount of vitamin C in Papaya which is the reason to include it in your daily diet. Additionally, the fruit is loaded with papain, a digestive enzyme, amounts of potassium, magnesium, and folate. It provides anti-inflammatory properties to the fruit, which is beneficial in boosting immunity.
7. Kiwi
Kiwi fruit is a rich source of natural essential nutrients such as folate, potassium, vitamin K and vitamin C. While vitamin C boosts the white blood cells to fight infection, the other nutrients help in building immunity.
8. Green Tea
Green tea is one of the immunity booster drinks. It has disease-fighting antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids that destroy the free radicals from the body. White tea and black tea also help in boosting immunity.