Top 10 Immune Boosting Foods from Around the World
We took a look at some interesting foods from around the world that you can eat to stay healthy and boost immunity all year!
1. Chicken Noodle Soup. Chicken noodle soup’s origin is unclear. It appears to have originated in Asia centuries ago and been popularized in 1934 by Ernest Lacoutiere, the head chef of Campbell's. Chicken noodle soup contains healthy, nutrient rich broth, vitamins, protein, and minerals. It also is claimed to have anti-inflammatory effects upon the upper respiratory system.
2. Wild Salmon. From the pacific northwest to Alaska to Romania to Scotland, wild salmon was (and still is) highly treasured by tribal peoples. For example, in native American culture, salmon is an important symbol of renewal, determination, and prosperity. The fish is high in healthy omega fats as well as zinc, a nutrient that is proven to help prevent the cold as well as lessen it’s symptoms.
3. Olive Oil. The use of the olive tree for human health has been traced back to the Paleolithic Age, around 12,000 BC. Scholars link organized oil olive production first to the Phoenicians in the Greek Isles around the 16th century BC. Olive olive oil is packed with anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated fats that decrease inflammation, suppress lymphocyte proliferation, and regulate natural killer (NK) cell activity.
4. Raw Honey. Raw honey is so old and historic nobody knows where it officially comes from. But, if one thing is for certain, it is that raw honey is one of mankind's oldest and most valuable natural health foods. Raw honey is antibacterial, meaning it helps kill germs and is said to contain over 200 immune activating nutrients and enzymes!
5. Mushrooms. Mushrooms for food and medicine date back to many of the earliest civilizations. Today, wild mushroom foraging is very popular in Ukraine and Russia. Shitake is a good choice when it comes to mushrooms because it can positively modulate T-cell activity, regulate inflammatory proteins, and decrease unhealthy inflammation.
6. Turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that dates back 4,500 years, probably in India. It contains a yellowish-orange compound called, curcumin, that has been shown to support and modulate T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, neutrophils, natural killers cells, and dendritic cells.
7. Bulgarian Yoghurt. This food originated in Bulgaria around 1905 when a bulgarian scientist discovered, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, a strain of yoghurt fermenting bacteria. Bulgarian yoghurt is not strained, so it retains more muscle supporting proteins and minerals. It also is high in probiotics, which have been shown to improve immune response and gut defense.
8. Blueberries. Blueberries are one few fruits native to North America that were used by native Americans, they used to call them star berries. Blueberries are filled with immune supporting flavonoids, a special type of antioxidant that makes catching the cold less likely.
9. Oranges. The modern orange originates in a region from South China to Northern Myanmar about 8 million years ago. Today, oranges are some of the most cultivated fruits in the world. They are very high in vitamin C, a nutrient which minimizes the chances of getting a cold and lowers the severity and duration of the illness.
10. Water. While not necessarily a food, water is the essence of life and very important. It helps regulate body temperature, flush out wastes and toxins, and carry oxygen, minerals, and vitamins into the cells.
BONUS
11. Blue Spirulina. The Aztecs may be the first culture who were known to harvest and eat spirulina. Spirulina is high in antioxidants and inflammation reducing nutrients. It also has been known to support the natural production of energy inside the body.