Green Tea to Boost Your Immunity

CHRISTINE AVANTI'S 5 FOODS FOR YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Immune system 101: The immune system is a complex combination of barriers, specialized cells -- with names like natural killer cells -- and proteins that identify invaders and work to protect us. Immune strength is highly related to food intake. What foods can we eat to help make the immune system stronger? Here are 5 of the best.

Green Tea
If you haven't contemplated the mysteries of this ancient, mega-healthy superdrink, now is the time. Green tea is a rich source of a type of antioxidant known as a catechin. The catechin in green tea called Epigallo Catechin Gallate (EGCG) has been shown to increase a specific type of immune cell. EGCG in green tea has been shown to slow the spread of flu virus in multiple studies. Another healthy component of green tea is L-theanine, which is thought to improve immune response, according to a study done at Harvard.

Carrots
Carrots are good for you because they are a rich source of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a powerful immune booster that actually strengthens defenses against both bacterial and viral infections. Studies show that the more beta-carotene consumed, the greater the increase in protective immune cells, including those natural killer cells. If you start getting carrot overload, you can get your beta-carotene from other great sources, such as mangoes, papaya, oranges, melons, and green leafy vegetables.

Mushrooms
You'll be happy to know that the mouth-watering mushroom gravy over your favorite steak is actually a tremendous immune booster. According to recent studies, increased intake of white button mushrooms, which represent 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the U.S., enhances those natural killer cells, thus promoting immunity.

Pom Juice
One of the reasons pomegranates are a superfood is because they are loaded with immune-boosting antioxidants. Antioxidants protect and repair cells damaged by free radicals, making you better able to ward off infections and flu. Pomegranates have been shown to have extraordinary power to neutralize free radicals. Superfoods also include blackberries, blueberries, and acai berries. It is always better to eat these berries raw and fresh rather than cooked -- sorry, but blueberry muffins and blackberry pies won't boost the immune system as much as raw, fresh fruit or pure juice.

Yogurt
When consumed, probiotics, the good live bacteria in yogurt and other bacteria-fortified products, go to the digestive tract -- the place where 70%-80% of our immune cells reside. Germs entering through the mouth will be warded off when they encounter these healthful bacteria. Foods that are naturally rich in healthy live cultures include sauerkraut and certain yogurts, such as Voskos. There are many new products on the market that are fortified with probiotics, including Kashi Vive cereal, milk, and even some baby formulas. To ensure that the good bacteria colonizes in the GI tract, you can take a clinically validated probiotic supplement, such as BioGaia, to boost your body's natural immunity.