EcoSalon / By Tina McCarthy

15 Best Foods to Improve Your Immunity

Incorporate these healthy foods into your diet to strengthen your immune system in a way your taste buds can appreciate.

September 1, 2009 |

LIKE THIS ARTICLE ?

Join our mailing list:

Sign up to stay up to date on the latest headlines via email.

Carrots are crammed with beta carotene, a phytonutrient that increases your body’s production of T-cells and natural killer cells.

Spinach

The high amount of antioxidants found in spinach help boost your immune system.

Sweet Potatoes

Like carrots, sweet potatoes are loaded with beta carotene, which boosts your body’s T-cell and NK-cell count.

Mushrooms

Rich in compounds called beta glucans, mushrooms boost the production of NK-cells and T-cells in your body to help prevent infections.

Salmon

Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which cause your body’s phagocytes to fight bacteria more effectively.

Kiwi

Like oranges, kiwis are high in vitamin C, which helps protect your body against infections.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which prompts your body to produce more interferon. This antibody covers the surface of cells and fends off viruses.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a great source of glucosinolates, phytonutrients rich in sulfur that stimulate the natural antioxidant systems in your body.

Barley

Like mushrooms, barley contains a high amount of beta glucans, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

View as a single page

A
A
A

Email

Print

Share

Post on reddit

Post on stumbleupon

Post on facebook

Post on digg

Post on twitter

Post on delicious

LIKED THIS ARTICLE? JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
Stay up to date with the latest AlterNet headlines via email

See more stories tagged with: health, food, organic, yogurt, tea

COMMENTS ( 20 )

READ COMMENTS

LOGIN OR REGISTER TO POST A COMMENT

Comments are closed-

Ted

[Report this comment]

Posted by: Ted Hayes on Sep 1, 2009 3:44 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

What about those of us who are seafood-allergic?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Seafood Posted by: mishawaka

» there are many food sources of selenium Posted by: aislinnluv

Comments are closed-

Not so eco-friendly, this list

[Report this comment]

Posted by: gourdman on Sep 1, 2009 5:17 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Why are crab and shellfish still being promoted as healthy foods by EcoSalon, while the oceans are being bulldozed of all life by commercial operations? In what century was this list compiled? Surely there are vegetable alternatives -- for instance, raw cocoa doesn't even make the gallery, even though it's an absolute antioxidant powerhouse. Vegetable sources of selenium include cereals, nuts, and legumes, among others. How about Quinoa for nutrition? Brewer's yeast?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Not so eco-friendly, this list Posted by: Vinkenoog

» RE: Not so eco-friendly, this list Posted by: fma7

» RE: Not so eco-friendly, this list - Agree Posted by: tlCampbell

» RE: Not so eco-friendly, this list - Agree Posted by: medusa

Comments are closed-

Selenium per gram

[Report this comment]

Posted by: gourdman on Sep 1, 2009 5:31 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Sources of selenium (µg/ 100 grams of food): Brazilnuts, unblanched: 1917.11. Mixed nuts with oil: 421.16. Mollusks, oyster, eastern, wild, raw: 63.69. Most nuts have more than seven times as much selenium per gram as shellfish. Source: DietaryFiberFood.com.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

Oysters? Healthy?

[Report this comment]

Posted by: VegaNOLA on Sep 1, 2009 7:06 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Oysters have been known to have 70,000 times the toxicity of the water they sit in. Since they siphon ten gallons of water a day and all the oyster beds are at the mouths of major tributaries that are completely polluted from the runoff of livestock and poultry production, this seems like a very dangerous piece of misinformation you are disseminating.

The FDA would have completely shut down oyster production in the U.S. if it weren't for powerful seafood lobbyists who could care less about the safety of the public.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» You lost me at... Posted by: Habaro

Comments are closed-

Selenium Toxicity

[Report this comment]

Posted by: workman586 on Sep 1, 2009 9:36 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Your article need some caveats. selenium occurrence in the soil in the US varies widely. There are areas of very high selenium content. This sometimes presents some unknowns in recommending selenium supplementation. There are recorded incidences of selenium toxicity. The amounts you describe in your article are probably beneficial and would never approach a dangerous level. But people need to be informed that Trace Minerals in low levels can be bad for and also that high intakes of any trace element can be very unhealthy even toxic. A concept that a large percentage of the population have difficulty understanding.
Good article but add some caveats!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

THE healthy diet, folks --

[Report this comment]

Posted by: mythmorph on Sep 1, 2009 9:42 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

If you haven't already done so, check this completely valid (and very interesting) diet plan:

www.ThePaleoDiet.com.

This is based upon sound science. It also is a great, sensible, and sure-fire way to lose weight while boosting your immune system, and then maintaining your entire body in ways in which it was genetically evolved to respond to.

I have absolutely no stake in this, except that I've been adhering to it and love it.

That being said -- seafood, and shellfish especially, are indeed sorely tainted these days. Tragic. Peruvian salmon, found in most supermarkets, has a completely unacceptable level of additives, and despite protests from our gvt'l. agencies, Peru will not change its fish-farm-raising practices. We should stop importing it. Certainly, stop consuming it.

And the comment about the fishing industry destroying the ocean floor is also true.

AND, why no nuts? Why no cocoa? Why no quinoa? -- My questions, too.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: THE healthy diet, folks -- Posted by: Ian MacLeod

Comments are closed-

vitamin D

[Report this comment]

Posted by: mrtwilight23 on Sep 1, 2009 10:20 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

One Flu Season theory blames lack of sunshine in the northern latitudes for a compromised immune system in the winter months.

You gotta supplement with Vitamin D3 or eat foods that contain D.

Some fish are good sources for D, and probably the best one (regarding sustainability) is herring.

A study that got a lot of coverage in Canada revealed that most people are Vitamin D deficient, but when that's corrected the incidences of breast and colon cancer was reduced by 63%. (somewhere in that ballpark)

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

Healthy foods and diet

[Report this comment]

Posted by: terry388 on Sep 1, 2009 4:30 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Try the Mediterranean diet which is the best for longevity and healthy eating. May I suggest that readers investigate the Greek cuisine which is healthy and good for you. Use Olive oil in your cooking. The Greeks have been using it for thousands of years. Obviously they must know something about healthy eating.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

NUTRITIONALLY DEFICIENT ARTICLE

[Report this comment]

Posted by: CAPSLOCK_AVENGER on Sep 2, 2009 9:39 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

SCIENTISTS ARE FUZZY ON EFFECTS OF BENEFICIAL COMPOUNDS AND NOT IN COMPLETE AGREEMENT SO SEZ TEH SOURCES LINKED TO ARTICLE (EG ABC NEWS) BUT THE AUTHOR HAS DONE THE HARD RESEARCH FOR YOU TO NARROW IMMUNITY SUPERFOODS TO THE FINAL FIFTEEN

IF PREDIGESTED FOOD PUFFERY IS PALATABLE TO YOU THEN FOLLOW THE LINKS BACK TO THE FULL TOUR WHERE EXPERTS EXPLAIN IN BABYTALK THAT PROBIOTICS ARE LITTLE SOLDIERS AND BLOODSUCKERS LIKE GARLIC TOO AND LINUS PAULING WANTS YOU TO GET VITAMIN C AMONG OTHER AMAZING FACTS

HERES THE RECAP FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK RIGHT NOW OF VIRUSES AND CONDESCENSION

FRESH VEGGIES ARE GOOD
FRESH FRUITS ARE GOOD
WHOLE GRAINS ARE GOOD
DRINK MORE FLUIDS
CHICKEN SOUP IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE BUT CHICKENS GIVE MISO A CHANCE IF UR VEGETARIAN

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

ugg cardy boots

[Report this comment]

Posted by: sadfa on Sep 6, 2009 1:42 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

ugg cardy boots This is a Australia brand, has a good reputation and the quality of the highest

quality, each used in the production of pairs of ugg boots are the 100% genuine sheepskin, and

bring you comfort every step, hold it is not afraid of the cold winter .Friends, autumn has come, winter is also not far from the pace, you do need a pair of boots? We have here

thebest quality bootsand the price of the cheap ugg boots.and the price of the special ugg boots have categories for Cardy Boots,
crochet boots, ugg nightfall boots, ugg ultra boots, ugg sundance boots,
Sandal, supply of the men boots and women boots . UGG Nightfall?UGG Sundance?UGG Halendi Sandal? UGG Tasmina Friends, if you buy in our store, we can Free Shipping & Customs, 1

Week Delivery To You Door!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

toxic-free and...

[Report this comment]

Posted by: hampers on Sep 14, 2009 12:01 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

QUOTE: "...healthy foods into your diet to strengthen your immune system in a way your taste buds can appreciate..." Care to include in this phrase, "only toxic-free and preservative-free ingredients in every prepared food. This will enhance further the healthy benefits of the food being prepared and serve: Just like the fabulous food hampers,

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

Oysters have been known

[Report this comment]

Posted by: teon6 on Sep 20, 2009 4:37 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Oysters have been known to have 70,000 times the toxicity of the water they sit in. Since they siphon ten gallons of water a day and all the oyster beds are at the mouths of major tributaries that are completely polluted from the runoff of livestock and poultry production, this seems like a very dangerous piece of misinformation you are disseminating.

The FDA would have completely shut down oyster production in the U.S. if it subtitles tv subs fringe season 2 fringe subs nokia 7900 prism user guide nokia 7900 prism user manual seropol5 weren't for powerful seafood lobbyists who could care less about the safety of the public.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Alternet Comments:

Comments are closed-

Ted

[Report this comment]

Posted by: Ted Hayes on Sep 1, 2009 3:44 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

What about those of us who are seafood-allergic?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Seafood Posted by: mishawaka

» there are many food sources of selenium Posted by: aislinnluv

Comments are closed-

Not so eco-friendly, this list

[Report this comment]

Posted by: gourdman on Sep 1, 2009 5:17 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Why are crab and shellfish still being promoted as healthy foods by EcoSalon, while the oceans are being bulldozed of all life by commercial operations? In what century was this list compiled? Surely there are vegetable alternatives -- for instance, raw cocoa doesn't even make the gallery, even though it's an absolute antioxidant powerhouse. Vegetable sources of selenium include cereals, nuts, and legumes, among others. How about Quinoa for nutrition? Brewer's yeast?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Not so eco-friendly, this list Posted by: Vinkenoog

» RE: Not so eco-friendly, this list Posted by: fma7

» RE: Not so eco-friendly, this list - Agree Posted by: tlCampbell

» RE: Not so eco-friendly, this list - Agree Posted by: medusa

Comments are closed-

Selenium per gram

[Report this comment]

Posted by: gourdman on Sep 1, 2009 5:31 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Sources of selenium (µg/ 100 grams of food): Brazilnuts, unblanched: 1917.11. Mixed nuts with oil: 421.16. Mollusks, oyster, eastern, wild, raw: 63.69. Most nuts have more than seven times as much selenium per gram as shellfish. Source: DietaryFiberFood.com.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

Oysters? Healthy?

[Report this comment]

Posted by: VegaNOLA on Sep 1, 2009 7:06 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Oysters have been known to have 70,000 times the toxicity of the water they sit in. Since they siphon ten gallons of water a day and all the oyster beds are at the mouths of major tributaries that are completely polluted from the runoff of livestock and poultry production, this seems like a very dangerous piece of misinformation you are disseminating.

The FDA would have completely shut down oyster production in the U.S. if it weren't for powerful seafood lobbyists who could care less about the safety of the public.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» You lost me at... Posted by: Habaro

Comments are closed-

Selenium Toxicity

[Report this comment]

Posted by: workman586 on Sep 1, 2009 9:36 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Your article need some caveats. selenium occurrence in the soil in the US varies widely. There are areas of very high selenium content. This sometimes presents some unknowns in recommending selenium supplementation. There are recorded incidences of selenium toxicity. The amounts you describe in your article are probably beneficial and would never approach a dangerous level. But people need to be informed that Trace Minerals in low levels can be bad for and also that high intakes of any trace element can be very unhealthy even toxic. A concept that a large percentage of the population have difficulty understanding.
Good article but add some caveats!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

THE healthy diet, folks --

[Report this comment]

Posted by: mythmorph on Sep 1, 2009 9:42 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

If you haven't already done so, check this completely valid (and very interesting) diet plan:

www.ThePaleoDiet.com.

This is based upon sound science. It also is a great, sensible, and sure-fire way to lose weight while boosting your immune system, and then maintaining your entire body in ways in which it was genetically evolved to respond to.

I have absolutely no stake in this, except that I've been adhering to it and love it.

That being said -- seafood, and shellfish especially, are indeed sorely tainted these days. Tragic. Peruvian salmon, found in most supermarkets, has a completely unacceptable level of additives, and despite protests from our gvt'l. agencies, Peru will not change its fish-farm-raising practices. We should stop importing it. Certainly, stop consuming it.

And the comment about the fishing industry destroying the ocean floor is also true.

AND, why no nuts? Why no cocoa? Why no quinoa? -- My questions, too.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: THE healthy diet, folks -- Posted by: Ian MacLeod

Comments are closed-

vitamin D

[Report this comment]

Posted by: mrtwilight23 on Sep 1, 2009 10:20 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

One Flu Season theory blames lack of sunshine in the northern latitudes for a compromised immune system in the winter months.

You gotta supplement with Vitamin D3 or eat foods that contain D.

Some fish are good sources for D, and probably the best one (regarding sustainability) is herring.

A study that got a lot of coverage in Canada revealed that most people are Vitamin D deficient, but when that's corrected the incidences of breast and colon cancer was reduced by 63%. (somewhere in that ballpark)

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

Healthy foods and diet

[Report this comment]

Posted by: terry388 on Sep 1, 2009 4:30 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Try the Mediterranean diet which is the best for longevity and healthy eating. May I suggest that readers investigate the Greek cuisine which is healthy and good for you. Use Olive oil in your cooking. The Greeks have been using it for thousands of years. Obviously they must know something about healthy eating.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

NUTRITIONALLY DEFICIENT ARTICLE

[Report this comment]

Posted by: CAPSLOCK_AVENGER on Sep 2, 2009 9:39 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

SCIENTISTS ARE FUZZY ON EFFECTS OF BENEFICIAL COMPOUNDS AND NOT IN COMPLETE AGREEMENT SO SEZ TEH SOURCES LINKED TO ARTICLE (EG ABC NEWS) BUT THE AUTHOR HAS DONE THE HARD RESEARCH FOR YOU TO NARROW IMMUNITY SUPERFOODS TO THE FINAL FIFTEEN

IF PREDIGESTED FOOD PUFFERY IS PALATABLE TO YOU THEN FOLLOW THE LINKS BACK TO THE FULL TOUR WHERE EXPERTS EXPLAIN IN BABYTALK THAT PROBIOTICS ARE LITTLE SOLDIERS AND BLOODSUCKERS LIKE GARLIC TOO AND LINUS PAULING WANTS YOU TO GET VITAMIN C AMONG OTHER AMAZING FACTS

HERES THE RECAP FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK RIGHT NOW OF VIRUSES AND CONDESCENSION

FRESH VEGGIES ARE GOOD
FRESH FRUITS ARE GOOD
WHOLE GRAINS ARE GOOD
DRINK MORE FLUIDS
CHICKEN SOUP IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE BUT CHICKENS GIVE MISO A CHANCE IF UR VEGETARIAN

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

ugg cardy boots

[Report this comment]

Posted by: sadfa on Sep 6, 2009 1:42 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

ugg cardy boots This is a Australia brand, has a good reputation and the quality of the highest

quality, each used in the production of pairs of ugg boots are the 100% genuine sheepskin, and

bring you comfort every step, hold it is not afraid of the cold winter .Friends, autumn has come, winter is also not far from the pace, you do need a pair of boots? We have here

thebest quality bootsand the price of the cheap ugg boots.and the price of the special ugg boots have categories for Cardy Boots,
crochet boots, ugg nightfall boots, ugg ultra boots, ugg sundance boots,
Sandal, supply of the men boots and women boots . UGG Nightfall?UGG Sundance?UGG Halendi Sandal? UGG Tasmina Friends, if you buy in our store, we can Free Shipping & Customs, 1

Week Delivery To You Door!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

toxic-free and...

[Report this comment]

Posted by: hampers on Sep 14, 2009 12:01 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

QUOTE: "...healthy foods into your diet to strengthen your immune system in a way your taste buds can appreciate..." Care to include in this phrase, "only toxic-free and preservative-free ingredients in every prepared food. This will enhance further the healthy benefits of the food being prepared and serve: Just like the fabulous food hampers,

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Comments are closed-

Oysters have been known

[Report this comment]

Posted by: teon6 on Sep 20, 2009 4:37 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]

Oysters have been known to have 70,000 times the toxicity of the water they sit in. Since they siphon ten gallons of water a day and all the oyster beds are at the mouths of major tributaries that are completely polluted from the runoff of livestock and poultry production, this seems like a very dangerous piece of misinformation you are disseminating.

The FDA would have completely shut down oyster production in the U.S. if it subtitles tv subs fringe season 2 fringe subs nokia 7900 prism user guide nokia 7900 prism user manual seropol5 weren't for powerful seafood lobbyists who could care less about the safety of the public.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]