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9 healthy foods that help boost the immune system

9 healthy foods that help boost the immune system

The immune system includes complex processes, chemicals, and cells that defend the body against foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. When left unchecked, these invaders may lead to severe health complications. The immune system needs adequate nutrition to function efficiently and prevent infections or diseases. One could take supplements to build their immunity. However, healthy foods like the ones listed below may also help boost the immune system and keep illnesses at bay.

Oranges
Several people turn to foods rich in vitamin C to fight the symptoms of a cold. Oranges are a healthy source of vitamin C which helps improve the production of white blood cells. So eating this citrus fruit will help build the immune system and ward off or prevent potential health issues. Other healthy citrus fruits rich in vitamin C include clementines, grapefruit, limes, lemons, and tangerines.

Broccoli
The vegetable is flush with nutrients that can benefit one’s immune system. Broccoli is abundant in vitamin C, which boosts white blood cell production. The vegetable is also rich in vitamin K1, a vitamin necessary for blood clotting. Furthermore, it contains iron, an essential mineral for transporting oxygen across the red blood cells. Broccoli is also high in proteins, which are the building blocks of the human body.

Spinach
Adding spinach to the meal plan carries several health benefits. The leafy green contains vitamin A and C, which strengthens entry points of the human body, including the respiratory and intestinal tracts and mucus membranes. The process ensures that one’s immune system remains strong. Adding spinach to meals also ensures one’s body is enriched with calcium, magnesium, iron, healthy fibers, and proteins. These properties help reduce cancer risk, improve bone health, and complement eye health.

Mango
Mangoes are one of the most nutritious fruits one can add to their meals. The fruit nourishes the body with vitamin C, essential for building the immune system. The nutrient also strengthens the connective tissues and improves the blood vessel walls. The fruit is also rich in antioxidant compounds like quercetin, mangiferin, and norathyriol, which protect the body’s cells from attacks by free radicals. The antioxidants could also help fight inflammatory bowel diseases, primarily ulcerative colitis.

Yogurt
When an individual is out shopping for yogurt, they should look for products with “live and active cultures” written on the label. An example of this is Greek yogurt, which is known to promote a healthier immune system that may help with diseases. This dairy product is also abundant in vitamin D, which regulates one’s immunity and influences the body’s natural ability to fight diseases.

Almonds
Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E – a strong antioxidant. The vitamin nurtures healthy cells by shielding them against damage caused by free radicals. Almonds are also high in protein and iron, essential for a smooth-functioning immune system. One can always have almonds with salads, yogurt, and other foods or munch on a handful of this tree nut throughout the day. Other sources of healthy nuts for an improved immune system include hazelnuts, pistachios, and walnuts.

Sunflower seeds
These seeds are one of the most valuable additions to the meal plan that supports an improved immune system. Sunflower seeds are abundant in nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, E, and B-6, all of which play a role in maintaining and regulating one’s overall health. Furthermore, the food is high in zinc, an element necessary to help the body develop and maintain immune cells. Studies indicate that eating sunflower seeds nourishes the body with selenium, which may boost immunity, fight infections, and prevent inflammation.

Avocado
Eating half of an avocado can nourish the body with more than 15% of vitamin B6, a nutrient necessary for protecting the body against oxidative damage and curbing inflammation. The fruit also introduces other healthy nutrients to the body, including vitamins C, E, potassium, magnesium, and folates which contribute towards a strong immune system.

Papaya
Papaya has a sweet taste and a soft texture and contains multiple elements that can improve one’s general health. The fruit promotes a healthy immune system by nourishing the body with vitamin C, which helps the body tackle viral and bacterial illnesses. Papayas are also a healthy source of vitamin A, which is essential for building a healthy and functional immune system.

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10 foods for improving blood count and circulation

10 foods for improving blood count and circulation

Poor blood circulation in the body can be brought on by a number of illnesses, such as stress, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. Low blood counts, in which the body is unable to create enough red blood cells (RBCs) every day, can also cause poor circulation. Additionally, symptoms including numbness, intestinal issues, and cramps might result from a low blood count. So here are 10 nutritious foods that support a higher blood count and better circulation. Why is it important to maintain a healthy blood count and circulation? Blood circulation and a healthy blood count are essential for overall well-being. Not only does the blood carry essential nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, but it also eliminates harmful substances and waste products. Maintaining a healthy blood count guarantees enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Low counts may cause fatigue, anemia, and other health complications. Additionally, proper blood circulation ensures that oxygen-rich blood flows easily across vessels to nourish organs and cells. Without it, people could face various health problems, including hypertension, coronary disease, or stroke – so maintaining healthy circulation and counts is essential for overall well-being. Foods for improving blood count and circulation Our food provides essential nutrients to the body, improving  blood count and blood circulation .
7 cold sore food triggers to avoid

7 cold sore food triggers to avoid

A cold sore is a group of painful tiny blisters that are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These blisters are also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex labialis. In most cases, the symptoms are the worst when one gets cold sores for the first time. However, after the first outbreak, the body begins to produce antibodies to protect itself from the virus, thus raising immunity against the condition. Managing cold sores – Foods to avoid Usually, cold sores appear when one’s immunity has already been compromised, and unfortunately, they are not as quick to leave. However, these blisters require arginine (a type of amino acid) to replicate and thrive. Hence, depriving the virus of arginine may help reduce the duration of such outbreaks. So, here are some of the foods that must be avoided by patients. Oranges Citrus fruits, such as oranges, contain acid that can cause a burning sensation on contact with the blister. Hence, in addition to avoiding oranges, many healthcare professionals suggest steering clear of citrus fruits like grapefruits as well. Instead, one can opt for bananas and cucumbers to gain optimum nutritional benefits. Pumpkin seeds Although pumpkin seeds are considered incredibly healthy, they are unfortunately rich in arginine.
8 foods that improve kidney and liver function

8 foods that improve kidney and liver function

A healthy kidney and liver are essential to the functioning of other organs in the body, such as the heart, spine, and brain. Keeping this in mind, it is important to provide the body with the best nutritional care possible. There are certain foods that are recommended for improving the health and function of the kidney and liver. Read to know more about the foods that you can add to your regular meals. Cabbage Cabbages have high levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid content, which are known to protect the kidneys from infections and damage. Since cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, they are known for the phytochemicals which help in breaking the free radicals that damage the body and are also known to cause cancer. They are also high in vitamins like K, C, and fiber. Fatty fish Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and other cold water fish like herring, mackerel, and sardines. These are all oily fish that are great sources of healthy fats that keep the body functioning well. According to several researchers and the National Kidney Foundation, the omega-3s found in fatty fish are responsible for keeping blood pressure in check by keeping the healthy fat in check.
6 effective lawn care tips to maintain a green yard

6 effective lawn care tips to maintain a green yard

In most cases, the lawn is the first thing people see when they visit someone’s house. One could argue that maintaining a green and clean lawn is the best way to give the house an inviting look. However, it is not easy to maintain the space, and people often don’t have the time to design, trim, and prune the landscape. Luckily, there are several lawn maintenance techniques to help maintain and beautify the area easily. Water it early in the morning Watering the lawn grass early in the morning, presumably at about 5 am, keeps it fresh and green for several hours. One can also program their irrigation systems to automatically water the lawn in the morning. Watering early prevents fungal diseases as it gives the grass more than enough time to dry throughout the day. The main benefit of watering the lawn early in the morning is that the grass can absorb enough water before the heat of the afternoon. Also, while watering, one can use the flooding technique instead of using sparse water, as the former forces the soil to retain more water throughout the day. Seed the bare spots Weeds can grow in the bare spots of a lawn if one does not cover them with grass over a long period of time.
Everything to know about child sponsorships

Everything to know about child sponsorships

According to statistics, one out of five American children lives in poverty, making their future incredibly bleak and difficult. Moreover, these children have little access to educational opportunities, further limiting their growth. Hence, many charity organizations offer child sponsorship programs where people donate a particular sum of money to be invested in meeting the needs and requirements of less privileged children. This can range from covering healthcare expenses to giving them educational opportunities. What are child sponsorship programs? Child sponsorships are unique programs that connect children in need to a sponsor, thus enabling them to have access to more opportunities for growth. Furthermore, these programs enable the sponsor to make monthly contributions; if the sponsor desires, they can even maintain correspondence with the child. The contributions towards the sponsorship programs can be as low as $1 a day. The organization uses the amount to ensure children receive schooling from an early age, are literate, and have their basic needs fulfilled. Moreover, some organizations even offer financial assistance till the sponsored child graduates from high school. This helps the children break the cycle of poverty and have better chances in life. How to donate for child sponsorship? As mentioned above, sponsorship donation amounts can be as low as $1 per day.

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