Article content
These are the 5 best foods that will protect you from viruses and bacteria.
1. Ginger
It was already cultivated in ancient India and China, here we most often make tea from it, but it also boosts immunity when grated this way. Its taste is very sharp. Therefore it’s ideal if you make tea or lemonade from it with a bit of honey and lemon.
Such tea is also used by athletes against muscle soreness. “It has activity comparable to anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Therefore it also reduces pain and inflammation in joints affected by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,” says nutrition expert Igor Bukovský.
2. Garlic
We have known it for several thousand years, yet we still avoid it. Its power lies in just one clove a day. “It has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunostimulatory effects. For garlic to be effective, crushed or chopped garlic should be left to stand for 10-12 minutes,” Bukovský claims.
3. Onion
Onion has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and treat infections. It is valued for its high level of vitamin C, its amount of nutrients and phytoestrogens. Onion contains fructan, a group of complex carbohydrates that act as prebiotics . Fructans pass through the small intestine without being digested and continue to the large intestine, where they are food for beneficial bacteria in the colon, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Because they support the growth of probiotics, fructans are referred to as prebiotics. Consuming naturally fermented foods helps lower the pH in the large intestine, which supports mineral absorption, many of which contribute to the healthy functioning of the immune system. Healthy bacteria in the large intestine also prevent the activation of carcinogens. Onion also contains selenium , which helps reduce inflammation and stimulates immune function. A study published in the journal “Antioxidants and Redox Signaling” in April 2012 found that selenium may play an important role in managing viral, inflammatory and allergic manifestations of disease. Immune cells that are deficient in selenium undergo greater oxidation and cause an ineffective immune response to pathogens.
4. Horseradish
Whether you’re fighting the flu, a cold or a urinary tract infection, horseradish is a spice that will help you stay healthy. Almost every part of this plant has some healing power – the leaves, flowers and root. Horseradish contains glucosinolates – medicinal compounds that are responsible for the characteristic pungent taste similar to wasabi or mustard. Although broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other leafy vegetables also contain glucosinolates, horseradish has 10 times more of them . It also contains vitamin C, potassium, folate, calcium and small amounts of B-complex vitamins . Because of the antibiotic effects of glucosinolates it is often used for throat and upper respiratory infections. Horseradish should always be used fresh, because it quickly loses its potency and healing effects, after cooking or after grating. However, by mixing it with apple cider vinegar and storing it in an airtight container it will retain its freshness for a long time.
5. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a superfood for our digestive system. In fact, sauerkraut is the secret of the health and longevity of cultures and civilizations whose diet is not so nutritionally varied. Shredded cabbage in the fermentation process produces bacteria that release the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients needed for the health of our gut. The gut essentially makes up 80 percent of our immune system. There are ten times more bacteria in our digestive tract than there are cells in the entire body. If you want the best for your immunity, consume quality sauerkraut Commercially produced sauerkraut is pasteurized, so it loses a large portion of the natural cultures and enzymes that our gut needs .
