Monday, May 25, 2009

Foods that increases human immune system

Many of us prefer to spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year on vitamin supplements that can cause us harmful side effects.

This is unnecessary since Mother Nature offers us a treasure-trove of inexpensive, safe, wholesome and disease-fighting foods like fruits, vegetables and herbs.

The list of beneficial plant foods in nature may be endless. However, a visit to your neighborhood vegetable or fruit store will still reveal a convenient source of some amazing plant foods and these are the Foods that increases human immune system.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa may be used in salad, sandwiches and omelets or eaten as a snack. As it is easy to grow and prepare for edible use, it is sometimes called “the father of all foods.”

Alfalfa contains plant protein and vitamins. It has therapeutic benefits. It has been said that when some animals fall ill, they will automatically begin foraging for wild alfalfa.

All parts of alfalfa are nutritious and contain protein, fat, the vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, K and fiber, calcium, iron and potassium. It also contains insoflavonoid phytoalexins. The plant can be used to teat fever, scurvy, constipation, urinary tract infections and bad breath. The leaf has been said to be able to prevent heart attack, stroke and cancer as well as reduce blood cholesterol.


Luffa

Luffa is shaped like a cylinder or wooden club and its size depends on the species. Luffa has a green exterior and soft flesh with black or white shiny seeds. Its tender flesh can be stir fried or boiled in soup.

Luffa contains protein, vitamins and minerals. It can be eaten when young and tender or can be made into medicine when it is old and ripe. Luffa possesses cooling characteristics, can alleviate heat and remove phlegm.


Tangerine

Tangerine is a member of the citrus family. It is sweet and sour with juicy and tender flesh. Tangerine can have a lightening effect on the skin.

Tangerine fruit contains many types of nutrients that improve metabolism. The white streaks found on the surface of tangerine flesh contain bioflavoniods, which can prevent high blood pressure and dissolve phlegm. Tangerine peel contains limonene, retinol, carotene, vitamins B and C and can be used to treat indigestion and gas. Recent research has shown limonene to prevent cancer. Tangerine peel is also used as a freshener, expectorant and tonic.

Ganoderma Lucidum Mushroom

The Ganoderma Lucidum mushroom is believed by the Chinese to have mysterious healing powers. In China, this mushroom has been known to promote vitality and longevity.

The Ganoderma mushroom contains carbohydrates, amino acids, protein and triterpene. It is used to treat nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, chronic hepatitis and high cholesterol. The different bete-D-glucans isolated from water and alkali extracts of the Ganoderma exhibit anti tumor activities.

Currently, the Ganoderma mushroom is being used to treat and prevent cancer. In cancer treatment, the Ganoderma mushroom may be used to reduce the side effect of chemotherapy, enhance survival rate, reduce the likelihood of metastasis, improve quality of life and help prevent the recurrence of cancer.

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