Healthy Snacks that Boost Immunity
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2015-10-07
Joybynature.com Team
Immune system of the body is the one that protects the body against several diseases and infections. The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism against outside invaders and infectious organisms. The immune system of the body is made up of special cells, tissues, organs and proteins that defend the body against several harmful infections and diseases. The most important element of the immune system is the white blood cells or leukocytes which destroy the diseases causing organisms and substances that attack the immune system and cause diseases. Since the immune system keeps the body healthy, it is essential to maintain the health of the immune system. To ensure a healthy immune system, it is essential to take a diet that provides the body with all the essential nutrients. The diet must not contain too many calories and must not lead to blood sugar swings. The diet to boost the immune system must be such that it keeps one satiated for long and provide the body with a lot of energy. Snacks are usually taken in between meals and when it comes to eating snacks, most of us do not care about what is being eaten. However, it is very important to develop healthy snacking habits. Most of the snacks that we take are either fried or have too many calories that do nothing good for the immune system. So, unhealthy snacks must be avoided and healthy snacks that boost the immune system or strengthen it must be taken.
The following healthy snacks can be tried to boost the immunity levels for people of all ages.
- Greek Yoghurt: Greek yoghurt has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years as a healthy snack mainly because of its protein content and low sugar content. It also contains good bacteria or probiotics. Probiotics are naturally occurring bacteria in yoghurt that boost the immune system significantly. The probiotics increase the level of good bacteria in the gut and thus help to create an effective barricade against harmful organisms. Greek yoghurt also prevents from infections in the upper respiratory tract. The protein content of Greek yoghurt helps in muscle recovery and weight control.
- Salsa and red pepper sticks: Tomatoes and red pepper are both known for their immunity boosting properties. Salsa prepared from cooked tomatoes contains an anti-oxidant called lycopene that enhances the immune system by strengthening cells that fight against virus and several viral infections.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Zinc is an important mineral essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Deficiency of zinc leads to impaired functioning if the cells of the immune system. Zinc also helps to keep the skin and mucosal muscles strong which act as physical barriers against harmful organisms that attacks the immune system. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc and thus help to boost and strengthen the immune system.
- Kiwi Fruit: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and anti-oxidant for the immune system. Kiwi fruit is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and thus the consumption of kiwi fruit is good for a healthy immune system. It prevents the body from various types of infections and also prevents several respiratory infections caused by viruses.
- Whey Protein: Whey protein is the best snack one can take for boosting the immune system. Whey protein is rich in cysteine which is an amino acid that helps the body to produce glutathione which is the best anti-oxidant of the immune system. Whey protein also contains components that stimulate the production of neutrophils which are a type of white blood cells that fight against infections. Thus, the consumption of whey protein protects the body against infections of various types.
- Oat Cakes: Oat cakes are a good source of beta-glucan a type of dietary fiber which is known to boost mucosal immunity and thus prevent harmful bacteria and viruses from entering the body.
- Whole Wheat Crackers with Peanut Butter: Whole wheat crackers with peanut butter are a healthy snack great for boosting the immune system. This snack provides the body with the needed nutrients and proteins that keep the blood sugar levels stable provide energy to the body and ward off several diseases and infections thus helping the immune system to function better.
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