Which Vegetables Are Beneficial to Your Immune System?

Broccoli

advertisement2

Broccoli is packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and boost the body's immune system. Furthermore, this vegetable provides plenty of vitamin C to aid in preventing and combatting various infections. Additionally, broccoli contains vitamin A and lutein which improve eyesight. Furthermore, broccoli provides sulforaphane - an anti-inflammatory that may reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Another advantage of broccoli is that it helps detoxify the liver. It contains phytonutrients like indoles and isothiocyanates which help eliminate harmful chemicals from your system.

Sweet Potatoes

If you're trying to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, sweet potatoes make for a great option. Not only are they packed with vitamins and antioxidants that aid in disease prevention, but their high sugar content makes them even healthier for you! A medium-sized sweet potato provides about one-third of your daily manganese needs, which supports bone and joint health. They also contain copper which aids in producing sex hormones and controlling blood sugar levels, as well as potassium - essential for balancing fluids and strengthening muscle strength and nerve function.

Carrots

Carrots are packed with vital nutrients that boost your immunity. Vitamin C, for instance, is an essential antioxidant that encourages white blood cell activity. They also contain high levels of potassium, which relaxes tension in blood vessels and arteries to bring down elevated blood pressure. This has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and strokes. Carrots also contain folate and vitamin B-6, both essential for forming proteins that carry information about pathogens to immune cells. Eating one large carrot provides 4 percent of your daily recommended intake of folate and 8 percent of recommended vitamin B-6 intake. Fiber is another essential nutrient found in carrots. It makes your stool bulky, making it easier to pass through the digestive tract. This reduces constipation risk and protects your colon from serious illnesses like colorectal cancer.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) are one of the best vegetables for strengthening your immune system. Packed with vitamin C and beta-carotene, bell peppers help combat infections, flu, and diseases by strengthening the body's defenses. They're also an excellent source of folate, a vitamin that keeps you and your baby healthy and prevents birth defects. Furthermore, they contain potassium which has been known to promote heart health. Bell peppers also contain lycopene, an essential carotenoid that reduces your risk for prostate cancer and heart disease. This pigment also gives ripe peppers their vibrant red hue.