The human body is a very advanced and complex system. From the very beginning of the human race, our body has been adapting with the surrounding environment to find the best way to defend itself. The protection mechanism that our body has developed over the years is known as the immune system. Unlike other body organs, this is not a single part; rather a combination of various components of our body. The immune system is responsible for defending our body against harmful microorganisms and repair and heal any damaged parts and take precautionary measures to defend any future attacks. It is a self-learning system. Think of it this way – if your body is a castle, the immune system is a brigade of soldiers patrolling the periphery of the castle as well as every room and door inside the castle.
Like every other defense system, your immune system also requires regular reinforcements to keep you healthy. It needs constant recruitment – fresh, strong, and trained soldiers. Your food is the supplier of these reinforcements. If your diet doesn’t provide the essential nutrition to your body, your immune system would start to fail. Moreover, with the aging process, our immune system gradually starts to lose its sharpness.
Keeping in mind our unhealthy eating practices these days that mostly involve fake and junk food, it is highly likely that your immune system is weaker than what it was supposed to be. Don’t worry, the earth is full of miraculous foods that have tremendous benefits and healing abilities. In this article, we are going to share 15 boosting immune system supplements provided by Mother Nature.
1. Garlic
Garlic is one of the best immune boosting herbs, which is common in almost every cuisine of the world. It’s one of the most-known immune boosters recognized by humans since ancient times. It has unbelievable antiseptic and antioxidant properties that can fight infections rapidly. Allicin, a potent sulfur, is believed to be the main component of garlic that is able to boost immune system. Garlic has a pungent aroma, used as a spice for cooking. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), garlic can help reduce your blood pressure, chances of heart diseases, increase stamina and improve your immune system.
2. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most acknowledged superfoods that can be found all over the world. The root of the ginger plant has rich anti-inflammatory quality. If you have a sore throat, ginger will do miracles on your body. Ginger works better than aspirin when it’s about decreasing inflammation. It also helps reduce the effect of nausea. Regular intake of ginger can increase blood circulation and heat generation in your body. From relieving common cold to fighting cancer, this superfood has the answer to all. Also, ginger has a pungent taste, which increases the taste of your cooked food to a great extent. Ginger is used as a spice in the Indian subcontinent. You can also eat ginger in other ways. Ginger goes superbly with tea. Try to incorporate this superfood into your diet to improve your immune system.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular herb used as a spice in many dishes. This herb is also known for its beautifying quality, which is why turmeric is used in many beauty products. But it’s health benefits will surely surprise you. It contains curcumin that is famous for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric can prevent acne and scars, and soothe skin burns. A recent research showed that turmeric can heal muscle damage after a heavy exercise session or labor. You can use turmeric both internally and externally. Add turmeric in your food or apply on your skin in case of any burn or damage.
4. Almonds
Almonds are nutrition nuclear bomb! They contain vitamin E, vitamin B complex, vitamin C and many other nutritional substances. Only a cup of almonds contains all your daily vitamin needs. Almonds are rich in healthy natural fat which helps activate fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E. Almonds also improve your brain functioning and memory power. Researchers found that eating almonds daily can help reduce the chances of Alzheimer by 65%.
5. Roman Coriander or Fennel Flower
Roman coriander actually has many names and the most popular ones are black cumin, fennel flower, and Nigella sativa. This plant is native to Southwest Asia and South Asia. The health benefits of Roman coriander are immense. Regular intake of black cumin can boost the functioning of your immune system to a great extent. A research report published in Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology in 2008 concluded that this plant can provide relief from asthma and allergy, and can even prevent pancreatic cancer. It is recommended for pregnant women. For these reasons, it is considered one of the best herbs for immune system improvement.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the best immune boosting herbs that God has gifted to earth. Aloe Vera plants are full of Aloe Vera gel that has super antibacterial and antioxidant qualities. You can use Aloe Vera gel for any skin damage, hair solution, and constipation problem. It lowers the blood sugar level and fights cancer cells. Aloe vera can be used both externally and internally. The unique therapeutic properties of Aloe vera works superbly to boost the immune system.
7. Raw Honey
Raw honey has undisputable antioxidants and antifungal properties. It has been used as a remedy for many health problems for centuries. Raw honey contains enzymes and nutrients that are beneficial for our body. If you have a sore throat, one spoon of honey will do the trick. Honey is also used for digestive issues because this is filled with Phytonutrients, the compound which fights against germs and harmful microorganisms. It is best to eat honey on an empty stomach. One ancient Egyptian medicine(still used today all over the world), is the mixture of raw honey and garlic taken on empty stomach. The Allicin and Phytonutrients of the garlic and honey are best absorbed by our body when your stomach is empty. This combination is a super immune booster.
8. Neem
Neem belongs to the family meliaceae—the mahogany family. Primarily used in South Asia, Neem tree has a marvelous detoxifying capability. The bark, leaves, flowers – all parts of the Neem tree can be used by us for maintaining normal blood sugar level, nourishing skin, and improving metabolism purposes. Neem tastes bitter and has a cooling effect on the human body to reduce blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels and lowering heart rates. Neem also helps the liver purify your body from harmful substances. Neem leaf is also used in oral medication and it is a natural teeth whitener. You can find many toothpaste products that often use neem leaves. Because of its detoxifying and antibacterial agents, Neem is considered one of the best boosting immune system supplements. You can use neem or neem supplements both internally and externally.
9. Blueberry
Maybe you think that foods known as immune boosters don’t taste good in general. Well, you are wrong. Blueberry is one of the most delicious superfoods you can find in nature. It is low on calorie but high in nutrients. Blueberry is the king of all antioxidant foods. Its antioxidants capability fights dead and cancer cells very effectively. It is often recommended to patients who are going through chemotherapy. Blueberry has anti-aging qualities too. It reduces DNA damage and slows the aging process. Researchers found that eating blueberry is positively correlated with improved memory and brain function and negatively correlated with diabetes, heart diseases, and urinary tract infections. So, next time you are looking for healthy, delicious and super beneficial foods, don’t forget blueberries.
10. Watermelon
Watermelon is another delicious fruit with heavy nutrient density. It contains Lycopene, a unique antioxidant, more than any other vegetables out there. It is also full of water and contains some elements that can offer sun protection. Watermelon improves your heart health and enhances your stamina to a great extent.
11. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is undoubtedly the best superfoods among all the fruits. Not only it is delicious, but it also has unmeasurable medical value. Pomegranate is used as medicine in various ancient civilization. Pomegranate seeds are useful in fighting cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, heart diseases, digestion problems, and high blood pressure. It is also known to increase stamina. A study also found that pomegranate seeds can increase sexual performance and fertility rate.
12. Green Tea
Green tea is a great way to refresh yourself as well as enhance your immune system. Green tea is proven to burn fat and reduce the chances of type II diabetes. It also helps you maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. It is best for alleviating your mood with many other health benefits.
13. Oyster & Oily Fish
Oyster is most common in Japanese and other oriental cuisines. They contain more zinc than any other foods. Zinc is necessary for your bodily growth, healing power, and the immune system. Oysters are the best natural source of zinc supplements. Oyster and oily fish are the right food for weight loss, tissue repair, increased metabolic activity, and lowered cholesterol levels.
14. Mushroom
Edible mushroom is one of the best herbs for immune system. In ancient Egypt, it was called ‘the plant of immortality.’ Although we refer to it as a vegetable, it belongs to the fungi kingdom. Mushroom is commonly used as medicine for its nutrients value. It is rich in antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium. Eating mushroom helps prevent cancer, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and heart diseases. So if you’re wondering how to boost your immune system, now you know mushroom and mushroom supplements are your answer.
15. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is widely used as a spice and known for its aromatic properties. It has rich antioxidants and antimicrobical qualities, making it one of the prominent boost immune system supplements. Cinnamon can prevent clogging of blood into the blood vessel and reduce any chances of heart diseases. It is also believed to reduce one’s blood sugar level. However, eating too much cinnamon or consuming raw cinnamon power can be risky and cause many side effects. So it is best to take a limited amount of cinnamon supplements for a better immune system.
To sum up, the immune system is the first line of defense in your body. Mother Nature has blessed us with plenty of immune boosting herbs and these 15 superfoods are the most prominent of them. You don’t need to wait for signs of a weak immune system to start taking actions so as to improve your current condition. Try to incorporate these foods into your daily diet or you can even take supplements as an alternative. However, the real herb or food is always preferred over supplements.
