This unique gift basket can help boost immunity for those suffering from frequent colds and flu as well as for those battling serious illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. The healthy, gourmet foods included can help the body fight current illness as well as boost the immune system to help avoid future illnesses.
Vitamins with immune-boosting properties include vitamin A,
vitamin E,
vitamin D, vitamin B6, and
vitamin C.
Vitamin A, in part, maintains immune-cell rich epithelial tissues that serve as the body's first line of defense against immunity. This vitamin is also important in the development of immune cells and thus plays an important role in maintaining immunity. To obtain vitamin A from the diet, consume organ meats, fish, and egg yolks. Dark-green, and orange fruits and vegetables are good sources of carotenoids which the body converts to vitamin A.
Vitamin D helps strengthen the immune system. Natural food sources are few and include salmon and tuna. Fortified foods include milk, cereals, breads, and flours.
Vitamin E also helps boost the immune system and can be found in foods such as mustard greens, broccoli, almonds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, mangoes, turnip greens, spinach, kale, papaya, red bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, blueberries, and avocados.
Vitamin C is a well-known immunity booster. If taken at the first signs of a cold, it may keep the cold from fully developing and may produce a faster recovery. Leading Food Sources of vitamin C: red cabbage, strawberries, potatoes, tangerines & other mandarins, red bell peppers, kiwi, and oranges.
Vitamin B6 may improve the functionality of the immune system--especially in the elderly. Food sources of vitamin B6 include organ meats, yellowfin tuna, mushrooms, potatoes, bananas, lentils, chick peas, chicken, avocado, and fish.
Zinc, an important trace Mineral for proper immune functioning, may weaken the cold virus, minimizing the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms when taken promptly, at the first signs of illness. Zinc is believed to promote a strong immune system by processing the essential fatty acids that encourage healing. Leading Food Sources of zinc: Barley, Chicken, Wheat, Lamb, Crab, Oysters, Beef, and Turkey.
Immunity Boosting Basket Contains: