(Psst.... the picture is of garlic stuffed mushrooms. Click for recipe) I love this time of year, we survived Winter and everything is bursting with life and color. I love to just sit on my patio listening to the birds and watching my garden unfold before my eyes. The beauty of nature is like witnessing God's true power and love for this delicate thing we call life. It also shows his sense of humor because more people than any other season, except Winter of course, get terribly sick thanks to the mass amounts of pollen.
I've posted an article that can help you control your allergies (Tips To Naturally Win The War Against Pollen); but if they happen to get the best of you and create an infection you will need a strong immune system.
6 Immune Boosting Foods We Love
Garlic
Allicin, a compound in garlic, fights bacteria and stops viruses from reproducing. For a strong dose, use crushed raw garlic in salads or pasta dishes. I have also thrown a clove in my vegetable smoothies in the morning, you can't even taste it! Throw some spinach, a sliced apple, a clove of garlic (peeled), and a banana in a blender with 2-3 cups of orange juice or grapefruit juice. This usually makes two. I drink in the morning to jumpstart my metabolism and give me a jolt of good clean calories to burn!
Keifer
If you consume dairy you'll be happy to know that people keifer is excellent for your immune system. People who consumed more probiotics took fewer sick days and had a 60% reduction in their reported annual infections.
Broccoli
Your immune system weakens as you age, but sulforaphane, a compound in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, stimulates cells that fight infection.
Red Bell Peppers
Our bodies need about 90 milligrams of vitamin C a day to successfully gaurd the body against harmful germs. Red bell peppers are the top source, a whole pepper has about 130 milligrams compared to an orange that has about 70. Throw a couple of slices in your next salad or smoothie, remember raw is usually better.
Apples
Apples are my favorite fruit! In addition to being good for your heart, the soluble fiber can help you recover quickly from an illness. Be sure you consume the peeling though, it contains the most fiber.
Mushrooms
I am literally forcing myself to make them when cooking (Check out the Spicy Mushroom & Parsley Sauce recipe I found) because these are to beneficial to pass up. The common white button mushrooms can increase your body's production of anti-viral proteins that are solely for fighting infection.
