We are in that time of the year where our bodies are prone to series of diseases and infection. On that note, we need to eat foods that help boost the white blood cells (WBCs). Also called leucocytes, they are the cells of the immune system that are involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders.
Some people take pills and supplements to boost immunity, but the good news is that there are home remedies that boost immunity. Here is a list of foods that boost immunity.
Garlic
Garlic is a herb, best known as flavouring for food. But over the years, garlic has been used as a medicine to prevent or treat a wide range of diseases and conditions. The fresh clove or supplement made from the clove is used for medicine. Garlic relatively contains the active ingredient allicin, which fights infection and bacteria.
Tea
Those who take five cups of black tea per day for two weeks enjoy 10 times more virus-fighting interferon in their blood than others who do not. Interferons (IFNs) are proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites or tumour cells. The amino acid that is responsible for this immune boost, L-theanine, is abundant in both black and green tea. Decaffeinated tea has it, too.
Beef
Beef is the culinary name for meat from bovines, especially cattle. Beef can be harvested from cows, bulls, heifers or steers. The zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutritional shortfalls among some adults, especially for vegetarians and those who have cut back on beef, a prime source of this immunity-bolstering mineral. Unfortunately, zinc deficiency can increase the risk of infection. Zinc in your diet is very important for the development of white blood cells.
Sweet potatoes
The skin is a crucial organ in the immune system. It serves as a first-line fortress against bacteria, viruses and other undesirables. To stay strong and healthy, your skin needs vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a major role in the production of connective tissue, a key component of the skin. One of the best ways to get vitamin A into your diet is from foods containing beta-carotene (like sweet potatoes), which your body turns into vitamin A.
Mushrooms
People around the world have turned to mushrooms for a healthy immune system. Studies show that mushrooms increase the production and activity of white blood cells, making them more aggressive. This is good news when you have an infection.
Oatmeal
These grains contain beta-glucan, a type of fibre with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. When animals eat this compound, they are less likely to contract influenza, herpes, even anthrax. In humans, it boosts immunity, speeds wound healing, and helps antibiotics work better.
Coconut
Coconut, a fruit of the coconut palm, consists of a thick fibrous oval shell, a thin hard shell enclosing edible white meat. The hollow centre is filled with coconut water.
Besides being excellent for your thyroid and your metabolism, coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which converts to monolaurin in your body. Monolaurin, the actual compound found in breast milk that strengthens a baby’s immunity, has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties.
Vegetables
When combatting pathogens, you simply cannot do any better than eating a variety of fresh, raw vegetables for the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes they contain. However, the amount and type of vegetables you should eat daily will depend on your nutritional type.