Hippocrates said, “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. Diet is a key aspect of health and the right foods can not only improve our health but improve our immune function. One of the best ways to improve your health is to make better food choices. Let’s look at 9 foods that improve immune function.
1.Ginger: the 2013 Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that fresh not dried ginger exhibited anti-viral properties in the human throat.
2.Onion: the 2004 Cornell Chronicle discussed findings revealing that onions are not only anti-microbial but inhibited cancer cells.
3.Garlic: the 2014 Journal of Phytomedicine did a review of the literature showing anti-microbial effects of garlic.
4.Shiitake mushrooms: the 2009 Journal Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice revealed that Shiitake was effective against 85% of the bacteria it was tested on.
5.Apple Cider Vinegar: The March 2019 Journal Natural Products Review found apple cider vinegar to have anti-microbial properties at full strength and anti-bacterial at 25% concentration.
6.Cinnamon: 2016 Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology showed cinnamon toxic to flu virus in the lab.
7.Yogurt: The 2018 Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Design studied how probiotics release molecules that have an antiviral effect.
8.Citrus: According the to Harvard Medical School health newsletter vitamin C had modest effects in prevention of the common cold.
9.Oregano: May 2014 Journal of Applied Microbiology revealed that oregano was effective against human norovirus by causing them to swell and explode.
There are other foods with anti-microbial properties, but these are easy to work into your diet. Don’t forget to get plenty of rest, exercise, stress relief, and your adjustments to keep your health and immune function operating at their optimum.