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The Best Foods to Improve Your Immunity

Posted By Dr. Mercola | September 07 2009 | 1,848 views

Incorporate these healthy foods into your diet to strengthen your immune system in a way your taste buds can appreciate.

 


Yogurt

 

Yogurt that contains live cultures is rich in lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis (good bacteria), which fight bacteria that cause diseases and raise your white blood cell count.

 


Green Tea

 

Green tea is a great source of L-theanine, an amino acid that triggers the release of germ-fighting compounds from your T-cells.

 


Oranges

 

One of the best sources of immunity-boosting vitamin C, oranges cause your body to produce higher levels of antibodies and white blood cells.

 


Garlic

 

Garlic is loaded with ajoene, allicin and thiosulfinates, compounds high in sulfur that ward off diseases and help battle infections.

 


Carrots

 

Carrots are packed with beta carotene, a phytonutrient that increases your body’s production of T-cells and natural killer cells.

 


Spinach

 

The high amount of antioxidants found in spinach help boost your immune system.

 


Sweet Potatoes

 

Like carrots, sweet potatoes are loaded with beta carotene, which boosts your body’s T-cell and NK-cell count.

 


Mushrooms

 

Rich in compounds called beta glucans, mushrooms boost the production of NK-cells and T-cells in your body to help prevent infections.

 


Kiwi

 

Like oranges, kiwis are high in vitamin C, which helps protect your body against infections.

 


Bell Peppers

 

Bell peppers are also packed with vitamin C, which prompts your body to produce more interferon. This antibody covers the surface of cells and fends off viruses.

 


Broccoli

 

Broccoli is a great source of glucosinolates, phytonutrients rich in sulfur that stimulate the natural antioxidant systems in your body.

 


Barley

 

Like mushrooms, barley contains a high amount of beta glucans, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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