10 Incredible Herbs Spices & Foods to Boost your Immune System

Your immune system plays a significant role in keeping you healthy. It is the gatekeeper that locks out malicious organisms from getting into your body’s organs.

A malfunctioning immune system allows bacteria and other disease-causing substances to penetrate your body and stir up infections. More illnesses mean higher hospital bills and that uncomfortable feeling of feeling sick. It is thus important to take good care of your immune system in advance.

It all starts with what you put into the body in the form of foods and spices.

The right foods can strengthen your immune system and extend your lifetime.

Choosing the right nutrients now in the form of food is better than taking drugs later on. In addition, there are no side effects when you depend on an immune-boosting whole food diet. Furthermore, these powerful foods do not interfere with the benevolent gut flora that normally exists in our bodies like some medicines do.

Find out what foods, spices or herbs have magical properties that your immune system longs for.

1. Garlic

Garlic has long been used as a spice in many cultures, and it’s famed for its medicinal value as well. Though it might seem overrated, this wonder spice truly plays a major role in the health of the body. Eating foods with garlic remarkably boosts your body’s health.

Garlic has been proven to have antimicrobial properties. Studies have also revealed that garlic reduces the risk of cardiovascular (circulatory system) diseases such as high blood pressure.

What’s more, people who used the aromatic spice often were found to have lower incidences of cancers and general neoplasms.

2. Ginger

Ginger is has been found to help the body defenses in many ways.

Ginger is known to reduce inflammation.

Inflammation is a process initiated by the immune system that aims to curb the infections and any other foreign substances that get into the body. However, the process can be harmful if it occurs at an uncontrolled rate.

Ginger, therefore, ensures that inflammation does not occur haphazardly and acts as a check on the body’s immunity.

Ginger improves the performance of the immune system.

Ginger also reduces cholesterol levels. Recall that high levels of cholesterol predispose you to coronary heart diseases so they better stay low.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that is widely used in Indian and Asian cuisine. What many people don’t know is that the spice does more than just stimulate the taste buds.

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is an antioxidant. Therefore, it helps fight infections.

People who ingest turmeric are less susceptible to bacterial attacks as their immune system is more resistant.

Having some turmeric with your meals also cushions your liver from suffering the full effects of alcohol ingestion.

It also improves digestion and reduces strain on the stomach.

4. Astragalus

Astragalus is a herb that grows in China. The natives benefit a lot from the herb because it keeps away common infections by stimulating the immune system.

The herb also effectively keeps at bay microorganisms that cause the flu and the common cold.

5. Tea

The tea that you normally sip from your cup can make you healthier. It has been shown that green tea specifically, and tulsi tea have played a role in suppressing microbial actions in the body.

Green tea has beneficial chemicals such as catechins that have antioxidant effects more potent than ascorbic acid and vitamin E. Tulsi also supports the immune functions and improves the general state of the body.

6. Mushrooms

Mushrooms form part of many delicacies. Scientific studies have shown that mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are chemical components that support the immune system.

The fungi stimulate the body’s defence system by activating and enhancing the activities of white blood cells, which are the body’s anti-infection soldiers. Shitake mushrooms are especially good for you.

7. Coconuts and Coconut Oil

Coconuts are very versatile and its oil has been used in a variety of ways – from topical moisturizer to anti-inflammation medicine. It is also known to enhance your immune system.

Coconut contains lauric acid which is metabolized in the body to become like monolaurin. Monolaurin is a compound found in breast milk, and it plays a role in strengthening the immune system of a new born.

The fatty acid acts against vicious organisms by interfering with their membrane structure. Natural and unrefined coconut meat and oil have the most potent medicinal value.

8. Unpasteurized, Organic Raw Milk

Raw milk from grass-fed cows has helpful bacteria that form an essential part of the immune system.

The good bacteria counteract against bad bacteria and deprive disease-causing organisms of oxygen and nutrients, and they even produce toxins against the harmful micro-invaders. Besides bacteria, raw milk has fats that are essential in boosting the immune system.

9. Black Pepper

In addition to being an antioxidant, black pepper has anti-fever and pain relieving properties. It is high in magnesium and relieves inflammation.

10. Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder has a very high antioxidant capacity due to it being rich in polyphenols. These antioxidants prevent damage to our DNA and other cells in our body.

It also helps cells communicate with the body more efficiently, which aids the immune system.

In addition, consumption of natural cocoa lowers the risk of several cancers and supports the cardiovascular system. It also helps to reduce the body fat content if not consumed with lots of sugar.

References:

https://www.victoriahealth.com/editorial/10-natural-ways-to-boost-your-immune-system