Healthy Foods: Foods to Boost Immune System

Foods to boost immune system - the immune system serves as a protection against viral infections, fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms in the environment. Some foods with other nutrients in it can be a source of immune-enhancing. Source of consumed food is safer because it is natural and easy to obtain. Learn more about foods to boost immune system.

So, what are the foods to boost immune system?

Fish with omega-3 fatty acid. Fish that plays a role in increasing the body's immune system is a lot of omega-3 fatty acid. Examples are tuna, salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the activity of Phagocytosis (phagocytic cells feed on bacteria), thereby reducing inflammation. The combination of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids are very good in enhancing the immune system. In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, fish also contain selenium. Selenium may increase the mobilization of NK cells of cancer-fighting.

Fruit, vegetables, nuts with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E. You must already be familiar with fruit and vegetables that contain vitamin C and vitamin A. Examples of sources of vitamins are oranges, apples, bananas, carrots, tomatoes.

Vitamin C may increase resistance to infection of white blood cells. Increase's interferon affects the immune system. Vitamin C also lowers the risk of increased cholesterol. In addition, those who consumed source of Vitamin C are as well a decline in the risk of colon cancer, breast and prostate cancer. Sources of vitamin A also contain beta-carotene which the body is converted into vitamin A, which is very beneficial to eye health. Beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant that reduces free radicals that can accelerate the aging process. 

Vitamin E is derived from beans also acts as an antioxidant. These three vitamins are often referred to as "The Big Three Antioxidant". Vitamin E stimulates the production of NK cells (natural killer) which can kill bacteria and cancer cells.

Wheat and cereals contain lots of beta-glucan is a fiber that serves as an antimicrobial and antioxidant. More efficacious compared with Echinacea based on research done by Norway.

Meat, Zinc minerals most widely obtained from meat. Zinc can increase white blood cell resistance to infection and increase the NK cells to kill cancer cells.

Garlic contains allicin, a substance that can fight bacterial infections. This substance stimulates production of white blood cells, increase NK cell activity, and increases the efficiency of antibody production. In addition, garlic also acts as an antioxidant to fight free radicals in the blood. Garlic in addition prevents the occurrence of blockages in blood vessels due to blood clotting.

Black tea and green tea play a role in helping interferon to fight the virus in the blood. Amino acid in tea that act as enhancers of the immune system is L-theonine. In addition, tea also contains polyphenols, which can reduce free radicals that damage DNA and accelerate the aging process.

Citrus, almost all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps increase the production of white blood cells, key to fighting infections. Because your body doesn't produce or store it, daily intake of vitamin C is essential for continued health.

Mushrooms helps the production of white blood cells in the body, increases the activity of white blood cells to fight foreign substances. The best mushrooms is shitake mushrooms that are readily available.

Yogurt, as it has been widely known, yogurt that contains probiotic is very helpful in improving the immune system and maintain digestive function.

Brazil Nuts are rich in selenium (SE). Selenium is a mineral and an anti-cancer nutrient that cannot be found on most healthy snacks. Our body needs selenium in small amounts. Brazil nuts are recommended when adding selenium in your diet. An ounce of Brazil nuts contain 544 micrograms of selenium. 


Drink plenty of water, bodies short of water often cause headaches and feeling of thirsty. Provide enough water to help remove toxins and impurities from the body, enhancing health and help skin become smooth.

Those are some foods to boost the immune system. These foods you can get it easily. And of course, the right way of processing will also affect the nutrient content in food. This will be discussed at another time.