Jump to content
IndiaDivine.org

Foods to Boost Your Immunity

Rate this topic


Guest guest

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

Good Morning!

 

Foods to Boost Your Immunity

 

Food used as a preventative to dis-ease and as an essential part of medicine has

been established for over 4000 years by physicians of natural medicine. Food is

a major determinant of health that is directly under our control. We cannot

always control pollution, hereditary factors, noise, environment, and the social

and emotional behaviors of others, but we can certainly choose what and what not

to eat. I hope that you will pay attention to the principles of food medicine

and incorporate this natural and powerful healing component into daily living,

because anything we do three times a day will have an effect on our body!

 

Acidophilus - The normal, healthy colon contains " friendly " bacteria (85%

lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria). It is the friendly bacterial flora

found in yogurt and is essential to the digestive system. When these bacteria

are not in balance, then the person may experience bloating, flatulence,

constipation, and mal-absorption of nutrients. Acidophilus taken as a dietary

supplement may help to detoxify and to rebuild a balanced intestinal flora. It

is used for the prevention of Candida as well as for treatment. Acidophilus aids

the digestion and helps to replace the " friendly " intestinal flora.

 

Apsaragus - Asparagus is spring's most luxurious vegetable. It was once

cultivated for medicinal purposes as a natural remedy for blood cleansing and

diuretic properties. Asparagus is rich in immunity-enhancing antioxidants and

vitamins. Asparagus can be processed into juice and other products to increase

total utilization and increase net value. Asparagus juice contains antioxidants,

such as rutin, ferulic acid and ascorbic acid. When buying asparagus look for

compact tips and smooth green stems that are uniform in color down the length of

the stem. Check the cut stem end for drying and avoid withered spears. Asparagus

is low in calories and provides substantial amounts of antioxidants - Vitamins A

and C. It truly shines as a source of folate and has a goodly amount of fiber.

 

Black and Green Tea - For years, studies have indicated that the antioxidants in

green tea offer protection against diseases, including cancer, and even fight

dental cavities. One of the most beneficial of these antioxidants is called

epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). According to the University of California

Wellness Letter, Mar 2002, regular black tea is turning out to be just as

healthful as green tea. The evidence for tea's health effects comes mainly from

lab studies, though some human studies point to possible benefits in preventing

heart disease and cancer. EGCG, inhibited an enzyme that cancer cells need in

order to grow. The cancer cells that couldn't grow big enough to divide

self-destructed. It would take about 4-10 cups of green tea a day to get the

blood levels of EGCG that inhibited cancer in the study. Black tea also contains

EGCG, but at lower concentrations.

 

Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries - Antioxidant compounds

found in blueberries, sweet cherries, strawberries and blackberries may fight

arterial disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL (''bad'') cholesterol,

according to a team of researchers at the University of California, Davis. In

studies conducted at the University, Dr. I. Marina Heinonen, a visiting

scientist from the University of Helsinki in Finland, and colleagues extracted

antioxidant compounds from blackberries, red raspberries, sweet cherries,

blueberries and strawberries. In a series of experiments in laboratory culture

dishes, they found that blackberries and Blueberries are of particular interest

because of their high antioxidant capacity. They had the most antioxidant

activity in one experiment and sweet cherries in another.

 

Broccoli - Broccoli is known as the " Crown Jewel of Nutrition " for its

vitamin-rich, high in fiber, and low in calorie properties. Not only does

broccoli give you the best vegetable nutrition available, it also gives you many

ways to lead a healthier, longer life. Heart disease is the number one cause of

death in the United States with cancer as the second, and broccoli gives you

many ways to help fight and prevent these and other diseases. Broccoli has

multiple cancer-fighting properties including vitamin C, beta carotene, and

fiber. It is also rich of phytochemicals which appear to offer us protection

against certain cancers and heart disease. Indole carbinol and sulforaphane are

two different phytochemicals that are found in broccoli.

 

Carotenoids - of which beta-carotenes are the most popular, are found in many

fruits and vegetables, animals, plants and microorganisms. The body converts

beta carotene into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat- soluble vitamin essential for

vision, growth, cell division, reproduction and immunity. Among the 600 or more

carotenoids in foods, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein are well-known leaders

in the fight to reduce the damage from free radicals.

 

Citrus Fruits - Hundreds of studies have been conducted on the nutrients found

in citrus fruit, including orange juice, and the role these nutrients play in

reducing the risk of such diseases as cancer and heart disease, when part of a

low fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruit, which contain

essential vitamins and minerals, are an important part of a healthy diet for all

men, women and children. In both fresh and juice form, citrus - including

oranges, grapefruit and specialty varieties such a temple oranges, tangerines

and tangelos - have many important nutritional benefits.

 

Ginger - Warming and antiseptic to the viscera, ginger is used for deficient

cold, digestive weakness, diarrhea, anorexia, vomiting and indigestion. Slice

6-8 pieces of fresh ginger and boil in 2 cups of water. Let this aromatic tea

brew for 15 minutes and drink two-three cups a day.

 

Onion - An important immune booster, diaphoretic and lubricant for muscles,

onions are rich in sulfur compounds called Thiosulfinates. They are

anti-inflammatory and contain Vitamin C, Quercetin and a powerful antioxidant.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - The omega 3 fatty acids in flax oil and fatty fish (such

as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) act as immune boosters by increasing the activity

of white blood cells, which consume bacteria. Essential fatty acids also protect

the body against damage from over-reactions to infection. Take essential fatty

acid supplements, such as flax or fish oil and add additional vitamin E, which

works in synergy with essential fatty acids to boost the immune system. An easy

way to get your daily dose is to add one to three teaspoons of flax oil to a

fruit and yogurt smoothies.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/foods.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Nice of you to list all of this...thanks so much!!

Marilyn

 

--- On Wed, 3/11/09, yogiguruji <yogiguruji wrote:

 

yogiguruji <yogiguruji

Foods to Boost Your Immunity

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 8:41 AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Morning!

 

 

 

Foods to Boost Your Immunity

 

 

 

Food used as a preventative to dis-ease and as an essential part of medicine has

been established for over 4000 years by physicians of natural medicine. Food is

a major determinant of health that is directly under our control. We cannot

always control pollution, hereditary factors, noise, environment, and the social

and emotional behaviors of others, but we can certainly choose what and what not

to eat. I hope that you will pay attention to the principles of food medicine

and incorporate this natural and powerful healing component into daily living,

because anything we do three times a day will have an effect on our body!

 

 

 

Acidophilus - The normal, healthy colon contains " friendly " bacteria (85%

lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria). It is the friendly bacterial flora

found in yogurt and is essential to the digestive system. When these bacteria

are not in balance, then the person may experience bloating, flatulence,

constipation, and mal-absorption of nutrients. Acidophilus taken as a dietary

supplement may help to detoxify and to rebuild a balanced intestinal flora. It

is used for the prevention of Candida as well as for treatment. Acidophilus aids

the digestion and helps to replace the " friendly " intestinal flora.

 

 

 

Apsaragus - Asparagus is spring's most luxurious vegetable. It was once

cultivated for medicinal purposes as a natural remedy for blood cleansing and

diuretic properties. Asparagus is rich in immunity-enhancing antioxidants and

vitamins. Asparagus can be processed into juice and other products to increase

total utilization and increase net value. Asparagus juice contains antioxidants,

such as rutin, ferulic acid and ascorbic acid. When buying asparagus look for

compact tips and smooth green stems that are uniform in color down the length of

the stem. Check the cut stem end for drying and avoid withered spears. Asparagus

is low in calories and provides substantial amounts of antioxidants - Vitamins A

and C. It truly shines as a source of folate and has a goodly amount of fiber.

 

 

 

Black and Green Tea - For years, studies have indicated that the antioxidants in

green tea offer protection against diseases, including cancer, and even fight

dental cavities. One of the most beneficial of these antioxidants is called

epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). According to the University of California

Wellness Letter, Mar 2002, regular black tea is turning out to be just as

healthful as green tea. The evidence for tea's health effects comes mainly from

lab studies, though some human studies point to possible benefits in preventing

heart disease and cancer. EGCG, inhibited an enzyme that cancer cells need in

order to grow. The cancer cells that couldn't grow big enough to divide

self-destructed. It would take about 4-10 cups of green tea a day to get the

blood levels of EGCG that inhibited cancer in the study. Black tea also contains

EGCG, but at lower concentrations.

 

 

 

Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries - Antioxidant compounds

found in blueberries, sweet cherries, strawberries and blackberries may fight

arterial disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL (''bad'') cholesterol,

according to a team of researchers at the University of California, Davis. In

studies conducted at the University, Dr. I. Marina Heinonen, a visiting

scientist from the University of Helsinki in Finland, and colleagues extracted

antioxidant compounds from blackberries, red raspberries, sweet cherries,

blueberries and strawberries. In a series of experiments in laboratory culture

dishes, they found that blackberries and Blueberries are of particular interest

because of their high antioxidant capacity. They had the most antioxidant

activity in one experiment and sweet cherries in another.

 

 

 

Broccoli - Broccoli is known as the " Crown Jewel of Nutrition " for its

vitamin-rich, high in fiber, and low in calorie properties. Not only does

broccoli give you the best vegetable nutrition available, it also gives you many

ways to lead a healthier, longer life. Heart disease is the number one cause of

death in the United States with cancer as the second, and broccoli gives you

many ways to help fight and prevent these and other diseases. Broccoli has

multiple cancer-fighting properties including vitamin C, beta carotene, and

fiber. It is also rich of phytochemicals which appear to offer us protection

against certain cancers and heart disease. Indole carbinol and sulforaphane are

two different phytochemicals that are found in broccoli.

 

 

 

Carotenoids - of which beta-carotenes are the most popular, are found in many

fruits and vegetables, animals, plants and microorganisms. The body converts

beta carotene into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat- soluble vitamin essential for

vision, growth, cell division, reproduction and immunity. Among the 600 or more

carotenoids in foods, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein are well-known leaders

in the fight to reduce the damage from free radicals.

 

 

 

Citrus Fruits - Hundreds of studies have been conducted on the nutrients found

in citrus fruit, including orange juice, and the role these nutrients play in

reducing the risk of such diseases as cancer and heart disease, when part of a

low fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruit, which contain

essential vitamins and minerals, are an important part of a healthy diet for all

men, women and children. In both fresh and juice form, citrus - including

oranges, grapefruit and specialty varieties such a temple oranges, tangerines

and tangelos - have many important nutritional benefits.

 

 

 

Ginger - Warming and antiseptic to the viscera, ginger is used for deficient

cold, digestive weakness, diarrhea, anorexia, vomiting and indigestion. Slice

6-8 pieces of fresh ginger and boil in 2 cups of water. Let this aromatic tea

brew for 15 minutes and drink two-three cups a day.

 

 

 

Onion - An important immune booster, diaphoretic and lubricant for muscles,

onions are rich in sulfur compounds called Thiosulfinates. They are

anti-inflammatory and contain Vitamin C, Quercetin and a powerful antioxidant.

 

 

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - The omega 3 fatty acids in flax oil and fatty fish (such

as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) act as immune boosters by increasing the activity

of white blood cells, which consume bacteria. Essential fatty acids also protect

the body against damage from over-reactions to infection. Take essential fatty

acid supplements, such as flax or fish oil and add additional vitamin E, which

works in synergy with essential fatty acids to boost the immune system. An easy

way to get your daily dose is to add one to three teaspoons of flax oil to a

fruit and yogurt smoothies.

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

 

http://www.peaceful mind.com/ foods.htm

 

Therapies for healing

 

mind, body, spirit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Andrew, thank you so much for your list. I recently posted a question about

boosting the immune system. I have to say that I'm not bad when it comes to

your list. Food as medicine is one of the great passions in our family. For

some reason this year, I have been sick, as in flu, cold, five time in five

months. I can't seem to find the missing link to a strong immune system.

 

If you could pick no more than three items from your list to definitely increase

in my diet, what would those three be?

 

Thanks again,

 

Mira Jacquin

www.philippejacquin.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Great post Andrew.

 

With the economic meltdown happening, we have to pay even more attention to the

quality of our daily bread. We may all have to start scrimping on the

supplements and growing more of our own.

 

Ien in the Kootenays, who can't wait to see if the

stinging nettle made it through winter.

Will the snow ever leave?

http://freegreenliving.com

http://backyardbusiness.info

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...