Foods that boost immunity

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Foods That Boost Immunity By Schmidt-Chu Vitamin C Sources: bell pepper, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, fruit juices, lemon juice, mustard greens, oranges, papaya, strawberries Foods with vitamin C increase the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and increase levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces preventing the entry of viruses. Vitamin E Sources: almonds, broccoli, chard, mustard greens, olives, papaya, sunflower seeds, turnip greens Vitamin E stimulates the production of natural "killer" cells

(cells that seek out and destroy germs and cancer cells). Vitamin E enhances the production of B-cells, the immune cells that produce antibodies that destroy bacteria. Vitamin E may also reverse some of the decline in immune response commonly seen in aging. Carotenoids The carotenoid vegetables are those which are yellow, orange, or red in color and contain carotenes, such as beta-carotene. Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells. Beta carotene is only one member of a large family. Researchers believe that it is not just beta carotene that produces all these good effects, but all the carotenoids working together. This is why getting carotenoids in food may be more cancer-protective than taking beta carotene supplements. You should eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables each day. Vitamin B12 Sources: beef, halibut, lamb, milk, salmon, scallops, shrimp, snapper Vitamin B12 is central to immune processes because, without adequate B12, white blood cells can't mature and multiply. Folic acid also plays a key role in immune system development and maintenance. Thiamine (B1) Sources: asparagus, cereals, pork, sunflower seeds, tuna Riboflavin (B2) Sources: asparagus, calf's liver, cereals, cranberries, mushrooms, romaine lettuce Niacin (B3) Sources: asparagus, chicken breast, cranberries, halibut, mushrooms, pork, salmon, tomato, tuna Pyridoxine (B6) Sources: bell peppers, cauliflower, cranberries,

mustard greens, tuna, turnips Folate Sources: asparagus, beets, broccoli, calf's liver, lentils, parsley, romaine lettuce, spinach, turnip greens Zinc Sources: oysters, mushrooms, meat, legumes This valuable mineral increases the production and effectiveness of white blood cells that fight infection. Zinc also increases killer cells that fight against cancer and it helps white cells release more antibodies. Zinc also increases the number of infection-fighting T-cells, especially in elderly people, who are often deficient in zinc and whose immune system often weakens with age. The anti-infection hype around zinc is controversial. While some studies claim that zinc supplements in the form of lozenges can lower the incidence and severity of infections, other studies have failed to

show this correlation. A word of caution: too much zinc (more than 75 milligrams a day) in the form of supplements can inhibit immune function. Chromium Sources: brewer's yeast, oysters, liver, onions, whole grains, bran cereals, tomatoes, potatoes Many people do not get enough chromium in their diet due to food processing methods that remove the naturally occurring chromium in commonly consumed foods. Recent research in animal models shows that chromium can enhance the ability of white blood cells to respond to infection. Selenium Sources: Brazil nuts, brown rice, cottage cheese, chicken (white meat), egg yolks, garlic, halibut, lobster, mushrooms, pork, salmon, shrimp, snapper, sunflower seeds, tuna, whole grains This mineral increases natural killer cells and mobilizes cancer-fighting cells. Suzi What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. health/ http://suziesgoats.wholefoodfarmacy.com/

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