COVID-19 hitting the entire world has made us realize the importance of good health to fight against the virus, which can only be achieved by having a better immune system. Strong immunity is one of the most vital processes of the body required to keep diseases at bay, especially during times like these.
You can ensure better immunity by stocking your pantry and consuming foods that are essential to keep your immunity high, which include minimally-processed, whole foods that are both affordable and accessible.
So, let’s see which foods you can hoard in your pantry to boost your immunity to survive this pandemic.
Superfood Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms, like the wild Chaga extract are highly revered in traditional Chinese medicine for their ability to significantly enhance the functioning of your immune system. These medicinal mushrooms are the best natural adaptogens that potentially boost your immune system as most of them possess strong antioxidant properties.
Moreover, they contain several quintessential nutrients like B vitamins, beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and proteoglycans to stimulate your immune system and enhance your body’s ability to produce more white cells. Due to the high demand for such mushrooms, they are now readily available in various forms worldwide.
Nutritional yeast
Research has shown that nutritional yeast is a rich source of fiber, beta-glucan, and vitamin B12, which can greatly strengthen your immune system when consumed regularly. Having a spoonful of nutritional yeast in your daily diet can reduce bacterial and viral infections that may lead to the common cold and other sicknesses.
The yeast works by stimulating your body’s defense against pathogens to prevent illness. Moreover, being fiber-rich and laden with vitamins, nutritional yeast may also have an anti-inflammatory effect on your body, thereby ensuring your overall health.
Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the healthiest and tastiest immune systems, boosting foods. Loaded with probiotics (good gut bacteria), having yogurt daily can significantly boost your immune system to fight diseases efficiently. It is also a great source of vitamin D that regulates our immune system’s smooth functioning and strengthens our body’s natural defenses against pathogens.
Spinach
Remember Popeye—the spinach loving cartoon? We should also become Popeye and consume spinach as it is one of the best immunity boosting foods. Extremely rich in Vitamin C, spinach helps our body fight against infections effectively. The presence of high amounts of antioxidants in it also boosts your infection-fighting ability. You can consume spicy spinach in a spinach dip, as a creamed spinach, and spinach quiche.
Antioxidants rich foods
Antioxidants are generally present in colourful fruits and vegetables and are known to protect our body cells from free radicals, thereby improving immunity and ensuring overall optimal health.
Other antioxidant-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli, berries, watermelon, oranges, kiwi, and other brightly coloured foods. Eat these daily to ensure maximum protection of your cells and immune system.
Conclusion
These small efforts and daily healthy eating regimen can ensure a healthy immune system and longevity.
Regular intake of necessary nutrients would help eradicate the toxins from your body and provide you optimal health.