Other beneficial nutrients

Vitamin E
Vitamin E stimulates the production of natural killer cells, those that seek out and destroy germs and cancer cells. It also enhances the production of B-cells, the immune cells that produce antibodies that destroy bacteria. Vitamin E has been implicated in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.


Bioflavenoids
Bioflavenoids are phytonutrients that aids the immune system by protecting the cells of the body against environmental pollutants. A diet that contains of wide variety of fruits and vegetables will help you get the bioflavenoids needed to help your immune system work in top form.




Vitamin C
Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies and increases levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses. Vitamin C reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by raising levels of HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering blood pressure and interfering with the process by which fat is converted to plaque in the arteries. As an added perk, persons whose diets are higher in vitamin C have lower rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer.
You can take in vitamin C from most fruits and vegetables. The top 7fruits that contain the most vitamin C are guava, papaya, strawberry, kiwi, cantaloupe, orange and grapefruit. If you take vitamin C supplements, it's best to space them throughout the day rather than take one large dose, because most may end up being excreted in the urine.




Selenium
This mineral increases natural killer cells and mobilizes cancer-fighting cells. Best food sources of selenium are tuna, red snapper, lobster, shrimp, whole grains, vegetables, egg yolks, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds.




Omega-3 fatty acids
A study found that children taking a half teaspoon of flax oil a day experienced fewer and less severe respiratory infections and fewer days of being absent from school. The omega 3 fatty acids in flax oil and fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) act as immune boosters by increasing the activity of phagocytes, the white blood cells that eat up bacteria. (Essential fatty acids also protect the body against damage from over-reactions to infection. When taking essential fatty acid supplements, such as flax or fish oils, take additional vitamin E, which acts together with essential fatty acids to boost the immune system.




Interesting fact about the garlic.
This flavorful member of the onion family is a powerful immune booster that stimulates the multiplication of infection-fighting white cells, boosts natural killer cell activity, and increases the efficiency of antibody production. The immune-boosting properties of garlic seem to be due to its sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin and sulfides. Garlic can also act as an antioxidant that reduces the build-up of free radicals in the bloodstream. Garlic may also play a part in getting rid of potential carcinogens and other toxic substances. It is also a heart-friendly food since it keeps platelets from sticking together and clogging tiny blood vessels.