If you have any hope at all in avoiding the seasonal sicknesses, you need to know how to boost your immune system. Scientists have long known that a person¿s nutritional intake plays a critical role in helping or hindering our bodies from fighting off infections. An unhealthy diet is undoubtedly the easiest way to fast track your body to the scene of an immune system crash. Plant based foods however, are the easiest way to get a real immunity boost.

All the Right Minerals and Vitamins

Vitamin A is a known immune booster, it also carries anti-inflammatory properties. Carrots, sweet potato, broccoli and leafy green vegetables contain vitamin A.

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin offers enhanced resistance to bacterial infections, and it is also an anti-oxidant. You can find vitamin B2 in yeast and whole grains, leafy green vegetables and in seaweed.
 

Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to enhance your immune system by helping to ease the stress levels in the body. B5 is found in tree-nuts, ground nuts and whole grains.

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine helps the body to maintain its immune system by assisting in the production of antibodies. Wheat germ, banana, potato, leafy green vegetables, carrots and peas all contain vitamin B6.

Vitamin C is famous for its immune boosting abilities. It is said to help the white blood cells fight off infections. Broccoli, bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries and blackcurrants are all great sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin D is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. The antibody producing vitamin can be found in the form of supplements, but 80% to 90% of the vitamin D your body produces comes from exposure to sunlight.

Copper helps the immune system to function, it¿s found in sunflower seeds, peanuts, prunes and mushrooms.

Iron helps the body to destroy pathogens. Dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and parsley all contain iron.

Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts and in all fruit and vegetables. It helps to stimulate the immune system by activating anti-oxidant enzymes.

Zinc is an important element which helps the immune cells function as they should. Wheat germ, garlic, pumpkin seeds, parsley, Brazil nuts and ginger all contain zinc.

The Most Nutritious Plant Based Foods

There are bunches of so called ¿super foods¿, they carry this name because they are complete, balanced and rich in nutrients. Why not replace unhealthy snacks with goji berries, or raw nuts? Maybe pick raw cacao over refined and sugary chocolate? If you are ¿juicing¿ (blending raw fruit and veg together to enjoy as a juice) why not add a bit of spirulina, maca powder and hemp seed powder to give your juice a nutritional boost?

There is an abundance of healthier, cheaper and a safer alternative to popping supplements¿ isn¿t that food for thought?