Immunity is the power of our body to resist diseases or infections arising from bacteria, viruses, parasites, or other microorganisms. Our immune system is spread across our whole body. It can detect and fight harmful microorganisms by producing antibodies. Foods that help this process are called immunity boosters.
Do not mistake multivitamins with immune boosters as they are different. Read on to find out more about immunity boosters and multivitamins.
What are Immunity boosters?
Immunity boosters are food items, vegetables, and fruits that we use to support and strengthen our immune system. These form a natural defense system against infections and diseases caused by external factors.
Benefits of Immunity boosters
As mentioned, immunity boosting foods keep us healthy and free from harmful infections. They also have the following benefits:
● They help you prevent infections and diseases
● They supply vital vitamins and minerals for proper body function
● They improve your energy levels and help you stay productive
● As you consume more immunity boosters, your body’s healing ability improves
● They support regulating digestion, circulation, body mass, cholesterol levels, and other processes.
Where to find immunity boosters
Prevention is better than cure. So, if you want to keep away infections and diseases, your best option is to build sturdy defenses. Consuming immunity boosters is the most direct way to achieve this. Fruits and vegetables give a major boost to our immunity. Consider eating them daily to keep the system functioning smoothly.
Mentioned below are some of the best immunity boosters you can consume:
Citrus fruits
Vitamin C helps reinforce your immune system. It improves white blood cell production, which fights off infections. All citrus fruits like oranges, lemon, and grapefruit are high in Vitamin C. Include any one of them in your daily diet and keep your immune system strong.
Ginger
Ginger helps prevent inflammation and cures nausea and sore throat. Besides, it is generally effective to aid recovery while sick.
Spinach
Spinach is not only a great source of Vitamin C. It also contains plenty of beta carotene and antioxidants. Both boost our immunity. They retain maximum nutrition when lightly cooked.
Garlic
Garlic has strong immune-boosting capabilities. The presence of sulfurous compounds is responsible for this. Also, adding garlic to your meal gives it a tasty flavor.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables available. It is loaded with Vitamin A, C, and E, which are key to our immunity. Not just that, they contain many antioxidants that support immunity. Eat them after light cooking for the best nutrient retention.
Almonds
Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, a key component of the immune system. They also possess healthy fats that are essential. Consider eating a few almonds daily for the best results.
Papaya
Papaya has a generous amount of vitamins and nutrients that help the immune system. A single fruit offers twice the recommended daily serving of Vitamin C. It also contains minerals like magnesium, folate, and potassium.
Green tea
Green tea contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is a strong antioxidant. Further, it contains plenty of flavonoids, another antioxidant. These substances make it a strong immunity booster. Also, it contains an amino acid L-theanine that can fight germs effectively.
Are Immunity boosters different from multivitamins?
Yes. Multivitamins are different from Immunity boosters. Multivitamins refer to supplements that may contain vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients. Note that there is no clear-cut definition as to what a multivitamin contains. So, their nutritional composition varies from brand to brand. They come in forms like gummies, tablets, liquids, capsules, or powders.
Multivitamins may also help in bettering immunity depending on the vitamins and minerals they contain. However, if you eat a balanced diet, there is no need for additional vitamins through multivitamins.
Multivitamins play a role in some of the following conditions:
● Women ready to conceive benefit from taking a pill of folic acid every day. This can protect the baby from tube defects.
● Vitamin A supplements are given to infants in some countries.
● If you have a high risk of osteoporosis, a calcium or Vitamin D supplement will help.
● If you have a condition like kidney failure, vitamin supplements are essential.
● Multivitamins can help to boost the health of vegans and alcohol users.
Final words
Our immunity stays strong if we eat healthy and perform regular exercise. As discussed above, many foods boost your immunity naturally. Include them in your diet so that all your body systems function smoothly. Also, use multivitamins only after a prescription from your doctor to prevent any overdoses.
