TOP 5 IMMUNITY BOOSTING FOODS

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1) Turmeric

Turmeric contains an anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting agent called curcumin, which also
gives it its vibrant yellow colour. This compound works by boosting the activity of cells in
your immune system which as a variety of positive effects on your body; primarily to help
fight infection and prevent free radical damage to your cells which prevent against
chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and dementia.

2) Garlic

Garlic has a variety of health benefits. It contains a compound called allicin. When garlic
is crushed this compound turns into an active but unstable compound called allicin
which gives it the distinctive taste and smell. It is this compound in garlic that enhances
the function of white blood cells which are essential to our immune system. It can also
reduce the risk of heart disease, improve mental health and fight infection.

3) Citrus fruit

Citrus fruit contain high concentrations of vitamin C which is renowned for its anti-
oxidant and immunity boosting effects. The main benefit of vitamin C is enhance the
function of white blood cells which are vital to fight infection. High dose vitamin C helps
fight viral infections. Vitamin C is also water soluble which means it cannot accumulate
in the body and become harmful. If your vitamin C levels are adequate the excess will be
removed from the body in urine.

4) Pomegranate

Pure pomegranate juice is another food that supports immunity via its  antimicrobial
and anti-inflammatory activity. The flavonoid antioxidants found in pomegranate juice
have also been shown to help fight viruses.

5) Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of the immunity-boosting mineral zinc. There are a
number of ways zinc boosts the immune system but primarily it activates enzymes that
break down proteins in viruses and bacteria so they are less able to spread. Zinc also
increases the activation of white cells responsible for fighting infection

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MBChB Bsc HONS 1st Class, MRCGP Cosmetic & Aesthetics Doctor Qualified GP 10+ Years Experience Dr Jane is a fully qualified GP and Cosmetic doctor, qualifying at the University of Manchester. She also has a first-class honours degree in anatomical sciences, in which she focused her studies on the anatomy of the face, head and neck. She completed her aesthetic training on Harley Street following a placement at The Alfred Hospital Medical Research Centre, in Melbourne, Australia. Her work in Dermatology research has been published in the prestigious Australasian Journal of Dermatology. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Jane returned to the NHS to become one of the founding doctors of the Covid-19 hot hub escalation centre in Soho. Dr Jane worked on the frontline in this centre throughout the pandemic. Dr Jane also has a wealth of experience in mental health. She has worked in mental health services as part of her training as an NHS GP and caring for patients with mental problems is an ongoing part of her work.