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The Best Foods to Improve Your Immunity

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Posted by: Dr. Mercola 
September 07 2009

 

Incorporate these healthy foods into your diet to strengthen your immune system in a way your taste buds can appreciate.

 


Yogurt

 

Yogurt that contains live cultures is rich in lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis (good bacteria), which fight bacteria that cause diseases and raise your white blood cell count.

 


Green Tea

 

Green tea is a great source of L-theanine, an amino acid that triggers the release of germ-fighting compounds from your T-cells.

 


Oranges

 

One of the best sources of immunity-boosting vitamin C, oranges cause your body to produce higher levels of antibodies and white blood cells.

 


Garlic

 

Garlic is loaded with ajoene, allicin and thiosulfinates, compounds high in sulfur that ward off diseases and help battle infections.

 


Carrots

 

Carrots are packed with beta carotene, a phytonutrient that increases your body’s production of T-cells and natural killer cells.

 


Spinach

 

The high amount of antioxidants found in spinach help boost your immune system.

 


Sweet Potatoes

 

Like carrots, sweet potatoes are loaded with beta carotene, which boosts your body’s T-cell and NK-cell count.

 


Mushrooms

 

Rich in compounds called beta glucans, mushrooms boost the production of NK-cells and T-cells in your body to help prevent infections.

 


Kiwi

 

Like oranges, kiwis are high in vitamin C, which helps protect your body against infections.

 


Bell Peppers

 

Bell peppers are also packed with vitamin C, which prompts your body to produce more interferon. This antibody covers the surface of cells and fends off viruses.

 


Broccoli

 

Broccoli is a great source of glucosinolates, phytonutrients rich in sulfur that stimulate the natural antioxidant systems in your body.

 


Barley

 

Like mushrooms, barley contains a high amount of beta glucans, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

 

 

 

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