Boost your Immune System with Healthful, Plant-based Foods

Due to the modern, hectic lifestyle, millennials suffer from various chronic lifestyle disorders, such as high blood sugar, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and depression. All these issues are due to their struggle to remain active every day and consume adequate food. They require a healthy and balanced diet to offer them all the vital nutrients that the body needs to function well. 

You need to include sufficient plant-based immunity booster foods in your diet to protect you from diseases and infections. A balanced diet consists of the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals, along with exercise and good sleep. After all, moderation is the key to remaining healthy and strong.

Plant-based Food Boosts the Immune System

Since 70-80% of our immune system relies on our gut health, it’s vital to include healthy food in your diet. Mainly, you need to add foods high in fiber to your diet. It means consuming more plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, pulses, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, are good to improve your gut health. Also, focus on food sources that are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. All these nutrients work together to ward off infections and diseases.

Here are some important immunity booster foods to include in your diet:

1. Citruses and Red Bell Peppers

You may be aware that oranges are a good source of Vitamin C. Do you know that red bell peppers also contain high Vitamin C? One cup of red bell peppers contains three times more Vitamin C than oranges. Likewise, you can even consider lemons, limes, and grapefruits to reap several health benefits.

2. Spinach and Broccoli

Dark leafy greens, such as broccoli and spinach, are amazing antioxidant sources. If you didn’t know, antioxidants help prevent or reduce damage to body cells. But when preparing food, you need to cook them lightly (not overcook) to maintain its essential nutrients.

3. Turmeric

Considered the “superfood of spice,” turmeric has a long history of reducing inflammation and pain. It even contains curcumin, which serves as an essential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound. You can combine turmeric with black pepper for improving the absorption of curcumin in the body.

4. Carrots and Sweet Potato

Carrots and sweet potatoes are good sources of Vitamin A. Both these plant-based foods contain high beta carotene, which increases the production of white blood cells in the body. When there are more white blood cells in your body, it means your immune system is stronger to fight viruses and bacteria. So, include these two foods also in your diet for better immunity.

5. Garlic

Garlic is also known to have anti-inflammatory and infection-fighting properties. Garlic includes an allicin compound that is a big reason behind its immunity boosting properties. It is also known to prevent the common cold. However, you have to crush it nicely to reap its maximum benefits while using it in a recipe.

Conclusion

You must include several plant-based foods in your diet to get proper nutrition. The plant-based foods are a complete source of vital nutrients you need for healthy living. Therefore, make sure to reduce your meat consumption and add more plants to your diet. This way, it will benefit your body and animals, and the planet as well.

Also, Visit here: Scientifically Backed Benefits of Probiotics