Top 10 Foods to Boost Your Immune System

1. Broccoli
Most of the time your immune system will keep you healthy and ward off disease-causing substances. To keep it strong it requires nutritional diet and a healthy lifestyle. The unique phytonutrients of broccoli have a positive impact on the body's detoxification system, and possess health promoting and disease preventing properties. Components in broccoli have immune-boosting power, as they may slow the growth of carcinogens and lower the risk of numerous cancers. Mild-steaming your broccoli will produce no significant loss of nutrients; extensive boiling destroys its vitamins, antioxidants and some phytonutrients.

2. Garlic
Fresh garlic is a vegetable used for flavoring in cooking and has been associated with many health-promoting effects. The major component of garlic, 'allicin', which is responsible for the impressive garlic smell, attributes to potent medical properties and anti-inflammatory agents. The anti-bacterial and anti-viral active ingredients of fresh garlic, helps in the treatment of infections by blocking invasive organisms that could attack our body systems. Garlic has been used for thousands of years for its therapeutic properties and its potentially powerful antibiotics.

3. Turmeric
Turmeric, an ancient spice used in Indian and Chinese folk medicine, is a major ingredient in mustard and curry, and its yellowish orange hue has powerful healing qualities. Its major active component, 'curcumin', has natural anti-inflammatory effects and strong antioxidants that have profound healing benefits for the entire body. This exceptional spice of the ginger family, has the ability to destroy and inhibit the growth of disease-causing agents that can suppress the immune system's response to illness. Curcumin has also shown to block every stage of cancer development without affecting normal cells.

4. Probiotic Yogurt (Plain, Unflavored)
Yogurt is a food produced by bacterial fermentation of milk, is highly nutritious and provides several minerals and vitamins. Probiotics in yogurt are "friendly" bacteria that have been widely studied for their many healing effects. Their natural antibiotics help stimulate immune response and contribute to a healthy digestive tract.

5. Green Tea
A cup of hot, soothing green tea is loaded with nutrients and powerful antioxidants that have notable effects on the body. The presence of flavonoids and amino acids in green tea prevents the growth of numerous bacteria and has shown to flush out existing harmful toxins in the body. "Catechins" in green tea may lower your risk of infections and viruses by reducing the formation of free radicals in the body, and by strengthening the immune agents.

6. Mushrooms
Mushrooms have been shown to stimulate and signal the immune system to produce white blood cells which defend against invading pathogens. Whether it's portobello, white or oyster, mushrooms contain selenium, an essential antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system and protect the body cells from damage.

7. Chamomile Tea
Inadequate sleeping habits can impair immune system and make us more prone to disease-causing organisms or substances. Chamomile herb has been used for thousands of years for physical and mental benefits. A brewed cup of fragrant chamomile tea benefits your body, mind and your overall well-being. Special flavanoids in this soothing herb offer numerous health-boosting properties and can help reverse abnormal cellular growth. L-theanine, a virus-fighting amino acid in chamomile, protects against bacterial-related infections and has shown to have immune-boosting effects.

8. Canned Salmon
Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) is naturally made by your body when you expose your skin to the sun. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to numerous ailments, including a weakened immune system, increased cancer risk and inflammation. Salmon, a powerful source of Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, does wonders for the health of the body and boosts the immune system. Omega-3s reduce inflammation throughout the body; chronic inflammation prevents the immune system from functioning optimally, and can contribute to weakened immune cells and life-threatening diseases.

9. Fresh Fruit
Maintaining a healthy nutrition is one of the most important factors in activating your immune response. Health benefits of fruit is an impressive list, enormously rich in minerals, vitamins, fiber and antioxidants that benefit the immune system. Low in fat and calories, fresh fruit provide a unique nutritional profile that prolongs a successful immune action and helps the body free from viruses.

10. Berries
Diet plays a major role in supporting and maintaining optimal immune function. Berries are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with phytochemicals that are associated with a reduced risk of many health-related conditions.