Immunity is one of the most important factors in how the body will fight off viruses and bacteria. Good immunity can’t promise that you won’t get infected with these pathogens, because that’s impossible, but it can help you deal with them more easily and harmlessly to your body and health.
In the winter season when viruses, flu and colds are all around you, good immunity is more than important. And to maintain a good and strong immune system you need a healthy diet every day for the long term.
Why is nutrition so important for immunity?
If you want to improve your body’s immune defenses, it’s crucial to eat healthy and get the nutrients you need for immunity. In order to function properly, the cells of the immune system need a variety of food from which to draw sufficient nutrients.
Certain foods stand out for their exceptional qualities in terms of immunity. According to Nutrients magazine, some foods can be defined as exceptional superfoods of great importance for the immune system, as they are very rich in proteins, amino acids, probiotic elements, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
What are the exceptional superfoods for better immunity?
Leafy vegetables
Leafy vegetables are one of the best plant sources of fiber, iron, vitamin C and K. These elements are very important for good immunity. In addition, leafy greens are a good source of beta-carotene and folate, which play an essential role in the immune system and the function of its cells.
Probiotic foods
Fermented foods are probiotic sources because they contain natural live probiotic bacteria. Such foods are yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, pickles, soy, pickles. Probiotic bacteria are directly involved in immune system function and are very important to have in the diet.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and also involved in immune processes. It promotes the production of white blood cells, immune cells that are involved in fighting the entry of pathogens into the body.
Berries
Berries are champions in the presence of antioxidants and vitamin C. They are also very rich in fiber, which probiotic bacteria need to multiply and function properly. As a consequence of these processes, the immune system is able to work normally to cope with the attacks of viruses and bacteria.
Proteins
Proteins in their pure form are one of the basic building blocks of every cell in the body. Without being brought into the body through food, the functions of cells are hampered, including those of the immune system. This is why proteins play a particularly important role. The best sources of protein are lean, clean meats, eggs, legumes, soy, whole grains, nuts, fish and seafood.
Green tea
Green tea is very important for the immune system because it is very rich in antioxidants. These anti-inflammatory substances help the immune system fight the entry of pathogens and qualitatively suppress the inflammatory processes in cells and tissues that they cause.