The immunity of the body is the ability to fight against infections and diseases. A strong immune system enables the body to fight against several types of diseases. To maintain the health of the immune system, it is important to take a healthy diet. A healthy and balanced diet is in fact a precursor to a healthy immune system. A balanced diet means that the diet must provide the body with all the essential nutrients. Natural and organic foods must form a part of the daily diet as these contain the essential nutrients in their purest form and thereby help to build a strong immune system. One of the main benefits of these natural foods is that these do not contain any preservatives, fertilizers or chemicals that may prove to be harmful for the immune system. The consumption of the natural and organic foods in fact ensures that the body stays protected against several types of ailments and diseases.

The following are some natural foods that can help to boost immunity:

• Red or pink grapefruit: Grapefruit is packed with Vitamin C, a vitamin essential for the health of the immune system. The red or pink grapefruit contains phyto-nutrients called bioflavonoids which are compounds that trigger several reactions in the body, one of them being boosting and strengthening the immune system.
• Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli etc. contain a lot of anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants are required to fight against the free radicals that may damage the immune system of the body. The consumption of these cruciferous vegetables provides the immune system with the essential anti-oxidants and thus makes it stronger. These vegetables also contain choline which is an essential element of a healthy diet. Choline keeps the cells functioning properly and supports gastro-intestinal barrier that prevents infections from entering the immune system as well as the body. Cauliflower in particular is rich in glutathione which is a powerful anti-oxidant that fights off infections of several types thereby keeping the immune system safe and healthy.

• Carrots: Carrots are one the best natural foods that can boost the immunity. This is because carrots contain beta-carotene which supports the mucus membrane of the body. Therefore, the consumption of carrots prevents infection causing bacteria from entering the body and the blood stream through the intestinal and the respiratory tracts.
• Egg yolks: Egg yolks are perhaps the best source of proteins and thus help to boost the immune system. Proteins are required by the body for the proper working of the muscles, cells and the tissues. The consumption of egg yolks provides the body with all essential amino acids, zinc and selenium all of which are important for a strong immune system.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is one of the best natural foods that can boost the immunity. Cinnamon is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal as well as anti-viral properties. It fights the pathogens that cause infections and ailments of various types. The use of cinnamon helps to inhibit and kill bacterial viruses and fungi that cause illness and diseases.

• Blueberries and raspberries: Blueberries and raspberries are immunity boosting These contain a lot of anti-oxidants that fight free radicals that may damage the immune system. The blueberries and raspberries contain anthocyanins which are phyto-chemicals that strengthen the immune system and enable it to fight against several ailments and infections.
• Mushrooms: Organic mushrooms are particularly considered great for boosting the immunity. These are rich in proteins, fibres, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, minerals and also calcium all of which strengthen the immune system and enable it to effectively ward off infections and diseases of various organs of the body.

• Teas: Green tea and tulsi tea in particular are known to strengthen the immune system of the body. These teas contain high levels of catehcins and other anti-oxidants that fight the free radicals that may damage the immune system. Green tea especially is said to contain anti-oxidants that are more powerful than Vitamin C and Vitamin E and thus is perfect for immunity boosting.

For more information on immunity boosting foods, click here.