The immune system, an individual's network of organs that work hand-in-hand to produce antibodies that fight disease-causing "foreign invaders,” play a big role in keeping an individual, including children, safe and healthy, per FOX News.
To ensure that your kids' immune system is in tip-top shape, Web MD lists five snacks that could strengthen their immune system.
1. Fruits and Vegetables
Jennifer McDaniel, M.S , R.D., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, suggests that kids should eat fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C content such as citrus, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli and sweet potatoes. William Sears, M.D., also said via Parents.com, that carrots, green beans and oranges have immunity-boosting phytonutrients. Phytonutrients, such as vitamin C and carotenoids, pushes the body to produce white blood cells that fight infections. It also has interferon, a type of antibody that coats cell surfaces and prevents viruses from infecting them.
2. Kefir
According to True You, kefir is "the most probiotic rich food on the planet and outranks any ‘off the shelf’ alternative." It contains a strong strain of good bacteria including Lactobacillus Caucasus, Leuconostoc, Acetobacter and Streptococcus species. Additionally, it has Saccharomyces kefir and Torula kefir, which are beneficial yeasts that "dominate, control and eliminate destructive pathogenic yeasts in the body." According to WebMD, despite its "biting" test, this tart milk drink is one healthy option to boost the immune sytem. McDaniel said that parents could buy it in single packs and include them in lunchboxes.
3. Walnuts
It is believed that Omega-3s fight body illnesses, and walnuts contain high deposits of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. WebMD cites a study where it was discovered that Omega-3s also decreases the amount of respiratory infections in children, so including walnuts in your kids' cereal or snacks is a good way to help them achieve a strong immune system.
4. Whole Foods
Though it is easier to grab processed food in the grocery, McDaniel notes that "You get a lot more nutrients from the whole food than you would from a juice or supplement." So before thinking of purchasing a carton of juice, it may be better to just let your kids eat a fruit so that they could absorb its natural chemicals that are not present in processed products.
5. Lean Meats
Proteins are an essential part of every kid's diet in order for them to grow strong and healthy, and choosing lean meat over dark meat is a better option. Mc Daniels said that eating lean meat does not only boost one's body defense, it also has zinc that helps white blood cells in fighting infections.
