Immune system - how to benefit your body

What is your Immune system and how it benefits your body

Immune system

Your Immune System is made up of different cells. Some look out for and identify viruses and bacteria; others are responsible for releasing anti bodies to fight the infection. Other organs such as skin, bone marrow, lymph nodes etc are also involved in our immune system working efficiently.

Immune system

How to benefit your immune system

A healthy diet is important for a healthy immune system and can benefit your body. Research into which specific nutrients benefit the immune system identified;

Vit A, C, D E, B6, B12, folate, copper, iron, selenium and zinc.

Vit A – found in eggs, diary, brightly coloured fruit and vegetables. E.g., orange peppers, died apricots

Vit D – is produced when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Or supplements

Vit E – sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts

Vit C – citrus fruits and vegetables e.g., broccoli

B6 – meat and vegetables, but also sunflower seeds or pistachios

B12 – meat, fish or dairy. Or yeast flakes (available in health shops)

Folate – lentils are a good source, also sunflower seeds, peanuts, linseeds, almonds

Copper – sesame seeds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower & pumpkin seeds

Iron- meat, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, dries fruit and whole grains

Zinc – nuts, seeds and pulses

Selenium-brazil nuts, sunflower seeds or sesame seeds