Most people and clients switch their lifestyle with the intention of losing weight. What they do not realize is the other benefits that are gained with eating healthy. Certain foods and meals are believed to help boost the immune system and give it certain nutrients to make it temporarily work better! A lot of these foods are included in the lifestyle that we teach.

Citrus fruits are bountiful in vitamin C. Vitamin C is believed to be helpful by increasing the production of white blood cells. White blood cells are key fighting components in the immune system against infections. These fruits include grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons, and limes. The body does not produce or store Vitamin C, so daily intake is recommended.

Red bell peppers contain double the amount of vitamin C as citrus. So they provide double the vitamin C health benefits in comparison to citrus. They also contain beta carotene, which helps to keep the eyes and skin healthy.

Almonds tend to be known as an extremely powerful nut. They are packed with vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it is absorbed into fat. Vitamin E is important to the immune system and often over looked because of vitamin C.

Garlic has been used to help fight infections, sickness, and even vampires. It is used in a lot of recipes and different cuisine around the world. It can possibly help to lower blood pressure. Garlic contains the compound called allicin, which it attributes a lot of its immune boosting power to.

Ginger may help to decrease inflammation, which helps to combat a lot of inflammatory diseases. It can be hidden in many foods because some people do not like the bitter taste. It can help to decrease chronic pain. It is also believed to help lower cholesterol.

Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals. It has vitamin A, C, and E. It also has many other antioxidants and fiber. Broccoli has been mentioned in a lot of previous posts because it is helpful for SO many different components of the body. It’s the most healthful when it is raw or cooked as little as possible!

One food that people usually guess thanks to the cartoon character named Popeye is spinach! It is rich in vitamin C, packed with antioxidants, beta carotene, and more! It is close to broccoli because it is the healthiest when cooked as little as possible. When cooked lightly though, it enhances the vitamin A and allows for other nutrients to be released. It is helpful to increase the infection-fighting ability of the immune system.

Turmeric is a food that has been used more recently to help boost health. It has been used for decades as an anti-inflammatory. It is high in curcumin which is thought to help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage.

Other foods that offer immune boosting capabilities is shellfish, poultry, kiwi, green tea, and even sunflower seeds. Proper nutrition is important for the body to run at its best health. Varieties of foods within the diet are important to make sure there is a intake of different nutrients, minerals, and vitamins! It is also important to remember that when eating these foods- to do so in proper portions and never to over indulge. Over indulgence counter acts the health benefits!