Immune system is the first line of defense in body against various diseases. It uses proteins and chemicals present in your body to fight viruses, harmful bacteria, infections and parasites. A stronger immune system means less risk of falling ill. Nourishing your body with specific foods can help keep your immune system strong.
Doctors believe that up to 80 per cent of your immune system is in the gut. If you’re looking for ways to prevent common cold, flu, and infections, add these immunity-boosting foods to your diet.
Pungent fruits: Vitamin C helps in building your immune system. Its use is believed to increase the production of white blood cells, which is the foundation of the fight against infections and colds. Vitamin C is found in almost all tart fruits. Lemon, orange, grapefruit are considered to be popular pungent fruits. You need vitamin C daily for good health.
Garlic: Garlic is found in almost every household. It enhances the taste of food and also keeps us healthy. Its importance in the fight against infection has been recommended since early civilisation. Garlic’s immunity boosters come from sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin.
Kiwi: Kiwi contains many nutrients including folate, potassium, vitamin K and vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells to fight infection.
Papaya: Papaya is rich in Vitamin C. It also contains papain, a digestive enzyme that has anti-inflammatory effects. Apart from that, papaya is rich in potassium, magnesium and folate. All these are beneficial for your overall health.