Foods for the Immune System
 The old adage "you are what you eat" wasn't just something your mother said to get you to eat your vegetables at dinner. The sole purpose of food is to provide fuel and sustenance for your body, and the quality of fuel you use has a direct effect on the performance of the machine.
Like any other part of your body, your immune system needs to be fueled and taken care of in order to properly function. One of the ways to improve your immune system by taking advantage of vitamins and nutrients that are found in foods for your immune system and that can keep it working for you to the best of its ability. These include:
- Vitamin C - Found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, this antioxidant helps fight off free radicals and other cell damagers.
- Vitamin E - Another antioxidant, it is found in seeds, whole grains, and vegetable oils.
- Cartenoids - The most well known cartenoid is the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is necessary for the body to create Vitamin A. It is found in sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and other leafy greens.
- Bioflavonoids - This substance protects cells from pollutants and is found in most fruits and vegetables.
- Zinc - Shown to increase the formation of white blood cells and T-cells, it is found in many shellfish, beans, and beef.
- Selenium - A substance that builds cell strength and is found in a variety of foods including tuna, red snapper, garlic, brown rice, egg yolks, lobster, shrimp, whole grains, and most vegetables.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids - These "good fats" promote a healthy heart and respiratory system and are found in fatty fish and flax oils.
These are just a few of the foods recommended for immune system health. As you can see, many of them are fruits and vegetables. Although it is important to check with your doctor and even a licensed nutritionist before making any dietary changes, these healthy and all-natural foods may be included in healthy diet in order to maintain optimum health, especially as an immune system booster. Looks like your mom was right all along!
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