Immune-boosting fruits

In everyday speech, the phrase "good immunity" or "weak immunity" is often encountered. By the word "immunity" people understand something that protects us from various diseases: viruses, bacteria, infections, etc. What exactly is behind this, what this immunity looks like, many do not even think about. The mechanism of immunity development lies in the synthesis of special cells, each type of which performs its own function. Thus, microphages eat microbes and destroy them in themselves, B-lymphocytes produce antibodies and remove foreign genes from the body, T-lymphocytes kill microorganisms, neutrophils devour foreign cells, but are also destroyed themselves, the action of eosinophils is directed at parasites, etc. If a person is immune to various diseases, then the immune system works without failures. Frequent infectious diseases indicate that some of its links are inoperative and need to be activated.

What fruits boost immunity?

There are various reasons that cause immunodeficiency. One of them is the lack of vitamins A, B, C, E – important chemical compounds in the production of immune cells. A storehouse of many vitamins are various fruits. Which fruits boost immunity? Let's consider them.

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Fruits containing vitamin A

Vitamin A (retinol) is a powerful antioxidant, protects immune system cells from free radicals, helps phagocyte cells fight foreign particles. The condition of our skin and mucous membranes, as well as vision, is directly dependent on this vitamin. In animal products, retinol is in the form of esters, and in plant products, provitamin A - carotenoids. Fruits containing provitamin A include all red and orange fruits: apples, mango, sea buckthorn, apricots, peaches, quince, cherries, sweet cherries, grapes, melon.

Fruits containing vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a well-known antioxidant, actively participates in the synthesis of immune cells, increases the production of antibodies and interferon. It is necessary for the formation of collagen fibers and the fight against free radicals. These properties give grounds for its use in cosmetology. It is not synthesized in the human body, but only gets in with food from outside. The following fruits contain vitamin C: lemons, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, black currants, kiwi, sea buckthorn, persimmon, cranberries.

Fruits containing B vitamins

This is a large group of vitamins that play an important role in cellular metabolism, strengthening the immune system, and the formation of antibodies. In addition to its protective properties, vitamin B also takes part in the synthesis of hemoglobin and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Its deficiency, as they say, is obvious: dull hair, flaky nails, early gray hair, rapid fatigue, memory problems. The source of the vitamin are products of animal and plant origin. Among fruits, bananas, oranges, lemons, strawberries, and cherries are rich in it.

Other components of fruits that boost immunity

In addition to vitamins, dietary fiber plays a major role in strengthening the immune system. With the help of fiber, poisons and toxins, cholesterol, heavy metal salts are removed from the body, inflammation is neutralized, and the immune system is activated. Fruits rich in dietary fiber include apples and citrus fruits. Phytoncides, biologically active antimicrobial substances that are essentially the immune defense of the plants themselves, also strengthen the immune system. Phytoncides, which can block the path of bacteria, are found in grapes, strawberries, black currants, cranberries, and blackberries. Rowan, elderberry, and bird cherry fruits resist fungal diseases. Phytoncides found in freshly squeezed juice of black and red currants, lingonberries, viburnum, and gooseberries kill protozoa.

More details about the healing properties of some fruits

Let us dwell in more detail on the healing properties of some of the fruits mentioned above.

Apricot - its fruits contain carotene, organic acids, flavonoids, pectin, silver, potassium and iron salts. It is useful for people with cardiovascular diseases, vitamin deficiencies, atherosclerosis, anemia, as a bactericide for diseases of the mucous membrane. The juice from this fruit has a therapeutic effect on the digestive organs with low acidity, gastritis and colitis. Dried fruit - dried apricots - is no less valuable. Diabetics should use it with caution due to the high sugar content.

Blueberries are rich in pectins, ascorbic, oxalic, malic, citric acid, piscoflavoins, thiamine, tannins. They have astringent, antiseptic and antibacterial effects. Blueberries are widely used in medicine to treat intestinal infections, oral cavity, urinary system, dysbacteriosis, flatulence.

Apples contain a whole complex of various vitamins (A, C, E, H, PP, group B), microelements, as well as pectins, which remove radionuclides, pesticides, and heavy metals from the body. This fruit is rightfully considered a body cleanser. Apple juice is indicated for various infectious diseases, colds, and problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Lemon is a very healthy fruit, a source of vitamins C, B1, B2, P, essential oils. It is a wonderful natural antioxidant that tones the body, protects against stress. It has bactericidal, antipyretic, astringent properties. For people, it is a remedy for all occasions, especially often remembered for colds, tuberculosis, pneumonia, digestive problems with reduced secretion of gastric juice. Lemon could be popular only because it complements the taste of many products, saturating them with a special shade.

Sea buckthorn - in terms of vitamins, microelements, folic acid, glucose, sucrose, organic acids, pectin and tannins, its fruits surpass many other plants. The medicinal qualities of sea buckthorn are used for colds, various viral infections, to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, improve metabolism, treat inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and in gynecology. Sea buckthorn oil is widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetology.

Bananas – have a low calorie content, and at the same time, the average-sized fruit covers a quarter of the daily requirement for vitamin B6, 15% of vitamin C, almost the same amount of the daily requirement for manganese, a little less for potassium and magnesium. It also contains a lot of starch and fiber, due to which satiety occurs quickly.

There is one general rule when eating fruits: in order for them to be beneficial, you need to separate their intake from the main meal. It is best to eat fresh fruits 1-2 hours before a meal or 2 hours after.

Proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, fresh air, exercise, eating fresh fruits, which nature created to help a person be healthy - all this together will strengthen the immune system and protect against the effects of various infections.