4 common food groups that can boost your immune system

It is likely that before this COVID-19 pandemic, many healthy Nigerians were not so concerned about their immune system. But things have changed, the deadly virus that came in the night like a thief has awoken many people to the importance of their immune systems. Okay then, what is this immune system then?

Your immune system remembers

The immune system is the body’s first line of defense against foreign bodies and infection. The interesting part is that our immune system has a memory – just like the North, it remembers. Many of the illnesses that we fight through often, including malaria and the common cold, are all logged in the memory banks of our immune system.

It does this so that the next time that illness invades our bodies, it already knows how to beat it back. And it proceeds to do so with alacrity. Now, the first exposure is tough, our body struggles to defeat it because it is new. This is why COVID-19 is so deadly because our bodies are still figuring out how to deal with it.

But the stronger our immune system is, the more effective it is against foreign bodies. Now, isn’t it a good idea to fortify your immunity so that it can handle anything that is thrown at it, especially now? Yes, it is, and we have a list of different food types for you. They are easy to get and help your immune system become that little bit stronger.

FRUIT – Watermelon

You most likely pass loads of vendors selling this particular fruit by the side of the road. Well, it so happens that Watermelon is an immune-boosting fruit. It has got lots of goodies for your body including Potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Glutathione.

All these vitamins (especially Vit. C and Glutathione) not only strengthen your immune system, but they also provide you with much-needed nutrients.

You can enjoy watermelon blended into a smoothie, cut into a fruit salad, or you can eat it off the slice like a good son or daughter of the land. Whichever way suits you, enjoy it!

ALSO READ: 3 often overlooked healthy Nigerian fruits you should try out

SPICE – Garlic

Okay, garlic is a tad difficult to classify, many consider it a vegetable, but for this piece, we’re calling it a spice. Healthwise, garlic is a gift that keeps on giving. Its got antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It is also rich in antioxidants.

Besides, it is well known for its immune-boosting properties. Studies have shown that garlic boosts the part of the immune system that specifically combats viruses and cancer. It seems that it is garlic time for everyone then.

FOOD – Sweet Potato

Sweet potato lovers will be doing the gwara gwara dance now, and if you are not a fan, you should join the club. Its got a hefty percentage of vitamin A and vitamin C which are essential components of the immune system.
What’s more, it is cholesterol-free and fat-free. This means that you can enjoy as much of this sweet tuber as you want without feeling guilty about calories. You can eat it as chips, fries, baked, and you can even make it as a pie.

DRINK – Tea

This might seem like a weird one, but keep reading. Most types of teas contain a large percentage of antioxidants, Polyphenols, and flavonoids specifically. What all the big words mean is that tea is a great immune system booster.

Want to hear a fun fact? You don’t have to take tea only in its liquid form. You could rub your meat with tea before cooking, or cook your pasta and grains in tea instead of plain water. Whichever way you want to enjoy it, the important thing is that remember to prepare a cuppa tea when you are curling up in front of the TV this evening.

Pamper Your Immune System

All the food items mentioned above are easily gotten and cheap too. It is a good idea to give your immune system a boost, no matter how small. It might be the slight push your body needs to overcome COVID-19