(repost) Immune-Boosting Fruits 

Avocado is one of the few fruits that contain fat.

The fatty acids it contains are superior fats. This fat soothes inflammation, controls blood sugar balance, and is super healthy for your cells. In addition to being filled with nutrients, avocados are also a nutrient booster, enabling you to absorb other nutrients you take in from other foods you consume. 

Lemons are super versatile and contain numerous health benefits.

Lemons naturally cleanse the body, and the antifungal and antiseptic qualities help kill germs. Lemons provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including lots of vitamin C, and have been shown to slow the rate of cancer growth. Lemons also help balance the acidity in your body, which is great for boosting your immune system.

Limes are also versatile, and they have the amazing ability to speed up your body’s healing process.
Limes contain antiviral properties that trigger the production of white blood cells, which gobble up all the harmful bacteria or dead and dying cells. 

      

Eating apples is like giving your body a mini-cleanse.

Apples are rich in the fiber pectin, which binds cholesterol, toxins, and heavy metals to move them out of your body. Apples clean out your colon, keeping it healthy, which makes your skin glow. 

      

Rose hips improve resistance to infection by stimulating white blood cells, making you resistant to colds, and are commonly used to make immune-building teas.

Rose hips are the berrylike fruits of the rose bush left behind after the bloom has died. Rose hips contain 20 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges.

      

Oranges contain beta sitosterol, which has been shown to prevent tumor growth and lower blood cholesterol.

The versatility of oranges allows you to enjoy this high-fiber fruit on its own or in some savory dishes or drinks!

      

Detoxification is what grapefruit does so well.

Grapefruit also inhibits cancer growth and lowers cholesterol. It’s an antifungal and an antiparasitic. Grapefruits have also been linked to weight loss.

Kiwi is loaded with vitamin C, more so than the familiar vitamin-C-containing orange.

Just one of these little guys contains 120 percent of an adult’s daily recommended dose. Kiwi is also a great fruit for fiber. Kiwi can cause allergic symptoms in some children.

      

Mango is a delicious tropical fruit that’s loaded in beta carotene; the precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A is antiviral and important for immune function.

Mango is also one of the only fruit sources of vitamin E, which protects against cell damage and boosts disease-fighting antibodies.

      

The healing ability of cantaloupe comes from its beta carotene.

Vitamin A plays a big hand in producing white blood cells to fight disease. Also rich in vitamin C, this fruit helps protect against colds, cancer, and heart disease.

Pomegranates have antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory abilities.

The juice and the seeds of this fruit stop tumor cells from growing, spreading, or creating blood supplies. Pomegranates lower blood pressure, improve heart health, reverses atherosclerosis, and improve depression. 

      

Grapes strengthen your capillaries, so they’re a powerful natural remedy to improve circulation and prevent heart disease.

Grapes are high in antioxidants, keeping your cells healthy and free from the damage that causes disease. Grapes are another detoxifying immune-building fruit, detoxifying the skin, liver, kidney, and intestines.

When you buy grapes, reach for the red grapes instead of the white. Red grapes contain more anthocyanins, which are the antioxidants found in grapes that make them so immune building. 

      

Cherries contain a powerful compound that blocks cancer cells from developing.

Rich in antioxidants, cherries help you fight disease, viruses, and bacteria. The anti-inflammatory nature of cherries provides relief to inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

The protein-digesting enzyme in pineapple called bromelainis responsible for all pineapple’s wonderful qualities.

Bromelain’s power comes from reducing inflammation. Injuries, digestive discomforts, sinusitis, arthritis, as well as any inflammatory condition are supported by the use of pineapple. It tastes good, too!

Source: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/immuneboosting-fruits.pageCd-storyboard,pageNum-15.html#slideshow

(repost) Vegetables That Boost Your Immune System

Cruciferous vegetables are the gold standard in immune-boosting vegetables.

Although all vegetables have nutrients and some protective powers, for these vegetables, it’s off the charts. Cruciferous vegetables have a special chemical composition: They have sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their pungent flavors. When they’re broken down by biting, blending, or chopping, a chemical reaction occurs that converts these sulfur-containing compounds into isothiocyanates (ITCs). ITCs prevent and knock out cancer and have infinite proven immune-boosting capabilities.

They contain antiviral and antibacterial agents that keep you disease free. Adding the following cruciferous vegetables to your daily plate is like taking an anticancer pill: arugula, beet greens, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, red cabbage, turnip greens, or watercress.

      

Garlic is surely one of the world’s most potent medicines, and its potent smell is what makes it so powerful.

The active ingredient allicin turns into organosulfurs, which are the compounds that keep your cells safe from all the destructive cellular processes that can cause major chronic diseases. Garlic is a natural antiseptic; it prevents cancer, fights infection, and prevents colds. Research also states that garlic may prevent or decrease chronic diseases associated with age, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer, immune disorders, brain aging, cataracts, and arthritis.

      

Onions are rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cancer.

Like garlic, onions also contain the amazing compound allicin. Red and purple onions contain anthocyanins, the same antioxidants that make berries so robust in healing powers. In addition to being extraordinary at preventing and healing cancer, the quercetin contained in onion makes them a safe therapy for allergies; it also helps prevent heart disease and reduce high blood pressure.

      

The power of mushrooms comes from their ability to enhance the activity of natural killer T cells (NKT).

These NKTs attack and remove cells that are damaged or infected by a virus. Mushrooms are associated with decreasing most cancers and significantly reducing the risk of breast cancer in women. They prevent DNA damage, slow cancer or tumor growth, and prevent tumors from acquiring a blood supply.

Tomatoes are also the richest source of the exceptionally potent antioxidant lycopene, a substance that prevents cancer, particularly cancer of the prostate.

Tomatoes also have high levels of beta carotene, an antioxidant that supports the immune system. They have high dietary fiber and taste delicious raw or cooked.

Beets are an amazing blood purifier.

Beets are rich in iron and produce the disease-fighting white blood cells. They also stimulate red blood cells and improve the supply of oxygen to the cells. Beets prevent cancer and heart disease, and the detoxifying properties make them good for your organs. Beets are also high in fiber and nourishing for digestive health.

Spinach is rich in beta carotene, which the body transforms into vitamin A, triggering your immune response to keep you well.

Spinach prevents cancer and heart disease and is rich in the disease-fighting mineral zinc. The vitamin C helps you resist colds and infection and keeps your skin healthy; the B vitamins keep you calm and more energetic.

Asparagus’s biggest talent is its ability to encourage the body to flush out toxins, due to its natural diuretic abilities.

Asparagus is both cleansing and anti-inflammatory to the body. It has the antioxidant glutathione, which can lower your risk factor for heart disease and cancer. It’s useful for all inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Artichoke supports the liver.

The substance cynarin gives artichoke its detoxifying qualities. Artichokes’ B vitamins increase mental alertness and strengthen your immunity.

Red bell pepper is bursting with vitamin C, making it a powerful immune builder.

Red bell pepper’s high level of beta carotene turns into vitamin A, making it a strong defense against disease. Although green and yellow peppers are certainly healthy, they’re more superfoodish. Although they both have similar amounts of vitamin C, red bell peppers have quite a bit more of the superstar beta carotene.

Sweet potatoes are far superior than the run-of-the-mill white potato.

The orange variety contains beta carotene, which makes them filled with robust antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer abilities. They’re also full of fiber and the vitamin E they contain is healthy for the skin.

Source: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/vegetables-that-boost-your-immune-system.pageCd-storyboard,pageNum-11.html#slideshow

(repost) Ten Immune-Boosting Spices and Herbs

Cinnamon’s active ingredient cinnamaldehyde enables it to decrease blood sugar, total cholesterol, and triglycerides as well as increase good cholesterol.

Cinnamon balances blood sugar long term and stops spikes in blood sugar after a meal. It improves your body’s sensitivity to insulin and lowers risk factors for pre-diabetes. Also, this wonderful spice is helpful in the treatment of cancer because it may slow the development of new blood supplies to tumors. Delicious and versatile, cinnamon is good stuff!

      

Cayenne provides amazing cardiovascular benefits.

Cayenne lowers blood pressure and has even been known to stop a heart attack! Cayenne thins phlegm and eases its passage through the lungs. You can improve digestion, nausea, or gas with cayenne.

Black pepper is a great spice to turbo jump your digestion.

Turmeric is a cornucopia of healing; it holds promise in about every area of disease prevention and healing imaginable.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. This ingredient is so diverse and so deep in its antioxidant power that it’s been shown to protect and heal virtually every organ in the human body.

Turmeric protects against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, eye diseases, depression, skin problems, and more. So amazing is this spice that research at Tufts University showed turmeric may prevent weight gain. Wow!

Curry is a standard spice used in India to control diabetes, prevent or treat heart disease, infection, age-related memory loss, and inflammation.

Curry has powerful antioxidants called carbazole alkaloids that are abundant only in curry leaf and are responsible for preventing cell damage, which causes disease and premature aging.

Oregano is your natural protection against infection.

The active compounds in oregano are carvacrol and thymol. These compounds have strong antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Oregano helps get rid of intestinal parasites, kills the bacteria that causes food poisoning, heals ulcers, calms intestinal irritation, and aids in digestion. It has a lot of minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Does it get any better?

Parsley contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which helps other antioxidants work better.

Parsley has so many healing powers; it’s amazing. Parsley is used as a diuretic, can reduce high blood pressure, and is a natural agent to fight cancer, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. As you can see, parsley is much more than a garnish!

      

If you need an antiseptic, the healing oil in thyme calledthymol is what you’re looking for.

When applied to skin or the mucous membranes of the mouth, it kills germs. It’s great for calming coughs, helping to prevent teeth decay, and helping to prevent infection.

      

Peppermint relaxes your intestinal tract, which makes mint wonderful for intestinal discomfort, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Peppermint calms indigestion, and, because it’s rich in menthol, it eases nasal congestion and respiratory discomfort to help you breathe easier. It also kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and plaque buildup.

Ginger is the king of all natural digestive aids. It relieves nausea and vomiting, settles the stomach, and eases the discomfort from gas and bloating.

Research shows that ginger is one of the most effective remedies available for motion sickness, even more so than over-the-counter medications. Ginger is a miracle for the nausea-induced morning sickness of pregnancy or post surgeries or the delayed nausea associated with chemotherapy treatment.

Because ginger is rich in phytonutrients called gingerols, which are antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, ginger is a great helper in the treatment of migraine headaches, arthritis, and asthma.

Source: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/ten-immuneboosting-spices-and-herbs.pageCd-storyboard,pageNum-10.html#slideshow

(repost) 8 Exotic Superfoods to Boost Your Immune System

Extracts from acai berries may destroy cancer cells, particularly those associated with leukemia.

Acai berries (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) are grown on the palm trees in the Amazon rainforest of northern Brazil. The name of the game with acai berries is pure antioxidant and nutrient power.

They fight leukemia. A well-known study, done by the University of Florida, found that extracts of the acai berry destroyed human cancer cells grown in a lab. More studies are needed to confirm its effects, but this step is definitely in the right direction.

They reduce inflammation. One of the best things that acai berries can do for you, due to the large amounts of anthocyanins they contain, is reduce inflammation associated with chronic diseases. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, fatigue syndromes, digestive discomforts, aches, and pains are all helped by reducing inflammation.

They shield your heart against disease. The pulp of acai berries has deep healing agents that contain antioxidants and fiber that reduces cholesterol — and keeps your digestive system healthy to boot!

Gogi berries are richly immersed in antioxidant power.

Goji berries (pronounced go-gee), which are the commercial name for wolfberries, have been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine.

Battle cancer: The phytochemicals in goji berries may have powerful anticancer effects. A 1994 study published in the Chinese Journal of Oncology stated that goji berries have a positive effect on treatments when used in conjunction with other cancer therapies.

Support weight loss: Goji berries contain natural compounds that arelipotropic, meaning they help carry fat away from the liver and burn those extra calories.

Protect your heart: Goji berries have compounds to lower cholesterol, are natural defenders against free radical damage, and release levels ofhomocysteine, a protein associated with heart disease and inflammation.

Prevent age-related eye problems: Goji berries have a high level of antioxidants, like beta carotene and zeaxanthin, which are important for vision. Zeaxanthin protects the eyes, specifically the retina, and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Boost your libido: This amazing superfood not only raises your spirits, but it also raises your libido! Goji berries raise testosterone levels, and, therefore, your sex drive goes up.

Read more: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/eight-exotic-superfoods-to-boost-your-immune-syste.pageCd-storyboard,pageNum-3.html#slideshow