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Writer's pictureJanine Carey

Strengthen Your Immunity with Plants



Our immune system is made up of a complex network of cells and organs that help protect our body from harmful toxins and infections. Nutrition can influence our immune health and play a key role in determining how susceptible we are to infections. Adding immunity-boosting foods to our diet is a natural and healthy way to strengthen our immune system. Taking a proactive approach is not only important during our current pandemic circumstances, but it can be protective all year round.

Diets centered around whole, plant-based foods appear to stimulate natural killer cell activity. Natural killer cells are part of the innate immune response that hones in on pathogens, including viruses and tumors. 


TIPS


Include plenty of bright and colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet. Vibrant colors signal the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals like carotenes, polyphenols, flavo- noids, and anthocyanidins. 


Although all plant-based foods possess a variety of protective nutrients, the following foods are particularly nutritiously dense and have unique immune boosting power: 

  • Dark leafy greens - kale, arugula, spinach, lettuce, and others

  • Beta-carotene-rich foods - carrots, sweet potato, butternut squash

  • Berries

  • Mushrooms

  • Beets

  • Garlic

  • Ginger

  • Tomatoes

  • Kiwi

  • Raw cacao

  • Nuts and seeds - chia, flax, walnuts, Brazil nuts

  • Spices - turmeric, cinnamon


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