Eating to boost your immune system

January 19th, 2009 at 02:48pm Mike DeDoncker

One of the more enthusiastic people I’ve met since starting to work on HealthyRockford.com is Willow Junya, the owner of Thai Cuisine restaurant on E. Riverside Boulevard.

In Willow’s culture, everything that goes into the body is medicine — food as much as anything — and he is an avid student and practitioner of healthy eating.

So it was interesting when he included in a newsletter he writes for his customers and other acquaintances, his thoughts  

about foods to help boost the immune system. 

Here are his recommendations: 

 Yogurt — Packs a healthy dose of good bacteria that can protect the body against harmful bacteria and infections.

  Turmeric — Found in every yellow curry, and its golden color comes from curcumin, a polyphenol with strong cold and flu-fighting properties.

Garlic — Much of its immune-boosting properties come from its sulfur-containing compounds, which also give the bulb its aroma, particularly one called allicin. The compounds are effective against bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. They also enhance the immune system and have anti-tumor and antioxidant features which help guard cells from everyday wear and tear.

Oregano — Its antioxidant activity is due to a high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids, color compounds that are also anti-inflammatory. It can protect against the common cold, influenza, fevers and indigestion. One of the little-known facts about Willow is that he loves to cook Italian and has developed several healthy recipes along that line.

Red bell peppers – They have twice the vitamin C of most vitamin C-containing fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is know to maintain the skin, which is the body’s first line of defense against microbes and viruses. It may also help to increase white blood cel count and antibody production.

Green tea — Has undergone minimal oxidation during drying and processing and some studies highlight a compound called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Ginger — Often recommended as a tea or bath for those with a cold or flu because it is helpful in increasing sweat production, which may help get rid of germs and sweat out toxins.

Oyster — Often thought of as one of nature’s most potent aphrodisiacs, probably because of their high zinc content which is necessary for testosterone production. In any event, zinc is good for protecting the body against colds and flu. 

Broccoli — A source of vitamins, A, C and E. It is also high in glucosinolates, which stiumulate the body’s immune system. It also has a high concentration of sulforaphanes, which are potent anticancer agents.

 Willow advocates incorporating these foods into your diet as well as regular exercise to help boost your immune system, stay healthy and boost energy levels.

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