Immunity Boosting Foods

The human immune system consists of cells and tissues and chemicals that help to fight off the invasion of foreign agents in the body and protect the body against diseases. More prominently, the immune system helps to prevent infectious diseases like common cold and flu. Therefore, doctors often advice people to enhance their immunity, i.e., create a condition where a person is less susceptible to diseases or is able to resist diseases. It is often observed that children and older people are more susceptible to infectious diseases, as they have a weak immune system. However, it is possible to boost one's immunity merely by making changes in one's diet. There are certain foodstuffs that are considered as top immunity boosting foods. Let us have a look at it in detail.

Best Immunity Boosting Foods
There are several foods that help in boosting one's immunity. The following are immunity boosting foods for kids and adults.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and one of the best immunity boosting foods. Vitamin C increases the production of antibodies that help in fighting the harmful foreign agents and also maintains a healthy pH level. Vitamin C is found in lemon, lime, pineapple, green peppers, etc. It is advised that a glass of lemon juice everyday or including lemon in one's diet helps in enhancing immunity to a great extent.

Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics that are believed to boost one's immune system. Those having live and active cultures and fortified with vitamin D are the best to fight off diseases. However, one should remember that sweetened or flavored varieties of yogurt do not serve the same purpose as the fresh and natural variety.

Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale contain essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that also contribute in promoting immunity. Spinach and broccoli contain powerful antioxidants that help in fighting harmful disease causing agents. On the other hand, orange colored vegetables carrots, pumpkin, winter squash, sweet potatoes, etc. contain beta carotene which is also an antioxidant that serves the same purpose as above.

Proteins
Proteins, also known as building blocks of the body, are very essential for the growth and repair of tissues in the body. Proteins also function for promoting the immunity of the body hence, it is necessary to include proteins in the diet regularly. Fish, milk, eggs, soy, tofu, cheese, meat, etc. are the foods high in protein.

Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral that helps to heal weakened immune system and also boosts it to make the person less susceptible to diseases. Zinc is found in oysters, lentils, sesame seeds; meat like lean beef, pork, turkey, liver, lamb, etc. Including either of these foodstuffs in the daily diet helps in prevention of infectious diseases.

Apart from these, garlic, oats, barley, mushrooms, ginger, red bell peppers, almonds, green tea, turmeric, whole grains, milk, ghee, etc. are the other immunity boosting foods. On the other hand, tea, coffee, processed foods, preserved foods, chocolates, etc. can impair one's immunity and hence, should not be included in one's regular diet. Smoking is also considered as one of the immunity impairers and should be avoided.

These were some of the immunity boosting foods that one needs to include in the daily diet. Along with this, drinking sufficient amounts of water and having a good night's sleep also helps in having a healthy life. Take care!