TOP 21
SUPER IMMUNITY BOOSTERS
Vitamin C This marvellous multi-tasking nutrient has many super immunity strengths, including: supporting all the immune centres in the body, boosting the production of disease-fighting T-cells and reducing your odds of developing arthritis and heart disease. Vitamin C also plays a role in improving eyesight, cognitive health and preventing and treating seasonal allergies, and is needed for producing the collagen necessary for healthy bones and connective tissue. Bioflavonoids Foods high in the bioflavonoid quercetin, such as onions, grapefruit, lemons and apples, are particularly immune-protective and their antihistamine content helps to damp down the inflammatory response seen in almost all health problems, ranging from heart disease to allergies and the common cold. Hesperidin is another important bioflavonoid, providing antimicrobial effects as well as improved wound healing and skin tone. If you are not eating five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit every day, it might be wise to take a supplement containing a blend of bioflavonoids. Berries These jewel-coloured pretties are a powerhouse of vitamin C as well as anthocyanins, which reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and elevate HDL (‘good’) cholesterol. Anthocyanins act as free radical scavengers in the body, helping to counter invading pathogenic viruses and bacteria. In particular, red raspberries, blackberries and strawberries supply ellagic acid, which supports the body’s own antioxidant systems to lower inflammation. Mushrooms In Chinese culture and medicine, mushrooms have been used for millennia to prevent and treat disease. Immune-friendly and fibre- and protein-rich fungi favourites include maitake, an adaptogenic tonic to restore balance to the body and counter disease states, and shiitake, traditionally used to fight colds and flu, ease indigestion, and promote longevity. Modern research attests to mushrooms’ value for your health, showing that they may lower LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol and reduce the risk of chronic fatigue syndrome and heart disease. Plus, mushrooms taste delicious and are an easy replacement for meat in many recipes.
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