Feeding the body with some foods will keep your body and immune system
strong – the body will be resistant to some diseases (of course not
all). There are also foods out there that are capable of healing flu or a
mild form of cold. It is not difficult…
Citrus Fruits
Many people find themselves in the succor of Vitamin C especially the
whites when they catch a cold. This is because it helps to build up the
immune system. Vitamin C is believed to increase the number of white
blood cells. Daily Vitamin C is essential for good health. It is easy to
add a squeeze of this Vitamin to any meal plan. Citrus is the key to
fighting infections and diseases. Examples of citrus fruits include
grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes.
Red Bell peppers
Commonly known to Nigerians as tatase, gram red bell peppers contain two
times vitamin C as citrus. They are also a rich source of beta
carotene. Besides improving the immune system, vitamin C helps to
maintain healthy skin. Beta carotene is good for the eyes and skin also.
Garlic
Garlic is used in almost every part of the world. It adds a little zest
to foods. It is a must-have for the health. Early civilizations around
the globe especially in Egypt and Greece discovered its use in fighting
infections. Garlic also helps to lower blood pressure and halts
hardening of the arteries. Garlic’s immune-boosting properties are
evident in sulphur-containing compounds such as allicin.
Ginger
Ginger is another ingredient we should turn to after falling ill. Ginger
may help decrease inflammation, sore throat and nausea. Ginger also
helps to decrease chronic pain and possess cholesterol-lowering
properties.
Yoghurt
Active cultures in some yogurts stimulate the immune system to help
fight diseases. Once in a while, it is okay to get plain yoghurts rather
than the ones flavoured with sugar. One can sweeten plain yoghurts with
healthy fruits instead. Yoghurt is a great source of Vitamin D. So,
when picking yoghurts, it is advisable to get for the ones fortified
with Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and boosts
the body’s natural defenses against diseases.
Green Tea
Green tea is fast becoming a Nigerian family’s top consumption at
breakfast. Both green and black teas are stuffed with flavonoids, a type
of antioxidant. Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, a
powerful antioxidant. It enhances immune function.
Pawpaw
Papaya is another fruit loaded with Vitamin C. Do you know one can find
224% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C in a single papaya?
Pawpaw has a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory
qualities. Pawpaw also has a little amount of potassium, B vitamins and
folate. All these mentioned are important to health.
Chicken
Chicken peppersoup is good for eating when cold appears. It will stop
further complications that ensue. Chicken and turkey are high in vitamin
B-6. It is also vital to the production of red blood cells. Boiled
chicken bones contain gelatin, chondroitin and other nutrients that help
abdominal healing and increases immunity.
[as shared by Tush]
