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There are many foods available that contain antioxidants and serve as immune system boosters. Such foods are mainly fruits and vegetables, which contain a host of nutrients that fight disease and prolong life, although some fruits and vegetables contain more antioxidants than others. What Are Antioxidants? Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, which are atoms with an unpaired electron. Electrons are paired in an atom when the number of protons, which have a positive charge, matches the number of electrons, which have a negative charge. When the atom has a positive or negative charge, it will seek out other atoms to steal or share the missing electron to compensate for having an unpaired electron. If the free radicals steal an electron from another molecule, defined as a group of atoms, such as a cell in a body, it causes the molecule to seek out its missing electron, which may damage the cell and other cells in the process. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables combat the damage caused by free radicals by providing them their missing electrons, thus preventing cell damage from this type of cellular interaction. Free radicals are naturally produced within the body, but can also be produced by external factors such as pollution, X-rays, sunlight, smoking and drug use. Foods for Immune System Strength Among the most common antioxidants are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and flavonoids. The body even produces enzymes, or proteins that produce chemical reactions, that act as antioxidants. Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peaches and mangoes are common foods with vitamin A. Citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries and blueberries are rich in vitamin C. Nuts, whole grains, seeds, kiwi and vegetable oil are common foods with vitamin E. Foods rich in selenium include nuts, seeds, red meats and fish. Flavonoid-containing foods include apples, berries, beans, nuts and onions. Many foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, contain multiple antioxidants. Dark green vegetables are among the best foods for immune system strengthening, and are believed by some researchers to prevent cancer. Other Immune System Boosters Probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that protect the digestive system from harmful bacteria and the illnesses they may cause, also strengthen the immune system. They are found in yogurts and are sold as supplements. They are often recommended to treat digestive illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. Garlic, which contains the natural chemical allicin, may lower one's chance of catching a cold by more than 50 percent. A study of 146 volunteers conducted by the Garlic Centre in the United Kingdom found that volunteers who took Allimax, a supplement containing allicin, experienced 24 colds compared to 65 among the group which took a placebo. Given the enormous costs of common colds to national economies, since they are among the top reasons for employee absence, populations consuming more garlic may potentially save individuals and businesses substantial amounts of money, and can boost their health as well. The foods listed above are just some of those that promote greater health and strengthen the immune system. Scientists and nutritionists have much to learn about how these and other foods fight disease, and new research will undoubtedly widen human knowledge on their disease-fighting properties. Serena Li is a web content manager with Basic-Natural LLC, a socially conscious company dedicated to provide up-to-date information on the sustainability industry. To view popular topics within the natural products industry, visit our blog at http://www.basic-natural.com/blog/
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