4 Immune Boosting Foods

4 Immune Boosting Foods

We're all sniffle-free in summer. Infection is very common in crowded, inside areas and colder air is more likely to spread colds and viruses. Hello fall flu season! No matter what level of germaphope you are, even if you use paper towels to turn off restroom faucets, it's nearly impossible to completely avoid contact with germs. Knowing this, we can brush up on immunity basics and some foods like gare maman to add to your stay-healthy shopping list.

White Tea

Everyone knows about black tea and more recently green tea but when you're interested in immunity white tea is your beverage. White tea is much less processed than green tea and this results in a higher antioxidant content; white tea is a better bacteria- and virus-fighter than other teas. It's also lower in caffeine and less bitter than green tea. Do not add milk to your tea though; casein, a protein in milk, binds to some of the phytochemicals and makes the tea less effective. Try for 2-4 cups a day. 

Red Bell Peppers

Chances are when you think of foods high in Vitamin C you think citrus fruits. Red peppers actually have more than double the Vitamin C of a large orange. Vitamin C is important because it increases levels of interferon. Interferon is an antibody that coats cell surfaces (think of it like cell armor) preventing the entry of viruses. Vitamin C is also found in broccoli, parsley, kiwi and melon.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc. Zinc is needed to make the immune system's t cells and zinc increases our number of white blood cells. Zinc is actually not common in many fruits and vegetables so you can eat a healthy diet and easily not get enough zinc. Zinc is abundant in many animal foods so vegetarians, in particular, need to seek out sources of zinc.

Yogurt and Kefir

Probiotics are good bacteria that live in our intestines and support our immune systems. Our digestive tract is actually our largest immune organ and what goes on in there is a good indication of what is going on with your immunity in general. Probiotics occur in other naturally fermented foods such as sauerkraut, natural pickles and miso.