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With the changing of seasons, your body becomes more vulnerable to the elements — new weather conditions can shock the immune system and leave it susceptible to illness.
In the winter, the air is colder and drier, and it’s often just a matter of time before you catch the sniffles. That’s why it’s incredibly important to focus on immunity now, more than any other time of year. The best way to avoid a debilitating cold or flu is to attack a compromised immune system head-on with preventative measures.
One of the most efficient and effective ways to boost your body’s immunity is through immune-boosting fruits and vegetables, thanks to their nutritious juices — concentrated detoxifying elixirs that flood your blood cells with nutrition.
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Immune-Boosting Fruits and Vegetables
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Your immune system is an umbrella under which multiple parts of the body function, including the lymph nodes and blood vessels, the spleen, white blood cells, the skin, and the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The immune system is a complex system that doesn’t rely on any one solution — there are many factors to consider. While not found in large quantities of fruits and vegetables, proteins and lipids are essential in maintaining a healthy immune system. Fruits and vegetables thus make up a very prominent part of the solution to enhance immunity, and their juices complement a dietary lifestyle aimed at fighting off illness.
Start your day off fresh and energized with a juice that combines at least 2 of the following fruits and vegetables. But before juicing any of them, please stay conscious of the importance of proper combinations. Always offset a juice’s fruit component with earthy vegetables and/or chlorophyll-powered green leaves. With the help of vegetables and greens, fruit juice is even more powerful and effective. Combining fruits with other ingredients also dilutes the sugar content of the juice so that it doesn’t raise your blood sugar levels too drastically. Entertain your palate with variety.
1. Carrots
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One medium carrot provides 203 percent of your RDA of vitamin A, which helps to maintain the skin and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The vitamin also plays a role in regulating immunity by promoting the development of both inflammatory and regulatory T cell responses. T-cells, also known as “fighter cells”, help fight off infection.
2. Oranges and Grapefruits
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Oranges and grapefruits are a great source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that promotes white blood cell and antibody production. A vitamin C deficiency can result in reduced resistance against certain pathogens. Opt for grapefruit if you are looking to reduce sugar intake, as it is less sweet than an orange.
3. Tomatoes
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One cup of cherry tomatoes offers 24 percent of the RDA of vitamin A and 34 percent of the RDA of vitamin C, both of which contribute to immune system health. Tomatoes also have a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene, which enhances immune function and combats inflammation.
4. Celery Leaves
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Celery is rich in vitamins and minerals, but its real value is in the leaves. The leaves are a great source of vitamins A and E. Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that modulates host immune functions, which can maintain health, especially among elders.
5. Pumpkin
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Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, and its pumpkin seeds, which you shouldn’t remove while juicing, are full of zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin B6. And thanks to antioxidant properties such as lutein and zeaxanthin, pumpkins are great at neutralizing free radicals and reducing stress and inflammation in the body.
6. Dark Leafy Greens
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Dark leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and parsley, contain the gamut of immune-boosting nutrients. Among them is vitamin B6, which plays an important role in optimal immune health by promoting immune cell proliferation and antibody production.
7. Ginger
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A small nob of ginger tossed into your juicer’s chute amidst other vegetables and fruits is all it takes to benefit from this panacea root. Ginger has antibacterial and antiviral properties. These qualities help it to fend off respiratory viruses and the common cold. Ginger also inhibits mucous production and works to clear up congestion.
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Nikole Stewart is a writer and editor with experience writing keen articles on topics such as pop culture and … More about Nikole Stewart
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