Boost Your Immunity

Good nutrition is essential for a healthy body and there are some foods that are better for you than others. One particular vegetable has the widest array of nutrients than most others. Asparagus contains folacin, a nutrient essential for blood cell formation and growth. It is also necessary for the prevention of liver disease. In addition, asparagus is a good source of potassium, fiber, thiamine, and vitamin B6. Only a 5.3oz serving will provide 60% of the RDA, and folacin plays a significant role in the prevention of spina bifida, a particularly debilitating disease. Another "vegetable" (it is actually a fruit, of the nightshade family) that boosts the immune system is eggplant. The skin of an eggplant contains nasunin, which protects the walls of brain cells. It is anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-viral. It is a good food to eat during flu season.

In addition to the above food, there are some foods that are considered super foods because of their high nutritional value. Some of them are obvious, such as; broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach and many other leafy green vegetables. Others yet may surprise you. Calf's liver, tuna, avocados, olives, nuts, meats, fish, eggs, crab and lobster are all considered super foods. In addition, blueberries are high on the list, as well as, grapes, apples, citrus, tomatoes, most berries, and other dark colored fruit. So, it appears that the point is to eat a well balanced diet and try not to subsist on any one food.

Recently, I have noticed that supermarkets are now stocking juice blends that contain blueberry juice, acai berry juice, and blackberry juice. It is a very robust tasting juice and I usually mix it with fresh brewed tea.