Your diet plays a critical role in the strength of your immune system.
Salads: Eat at least 1 cup per day of salads with raw vegetables and salad dressing. Studies have shown this increases levels of vitamin C and E as well as folic acid, all crucial to a strong immune system. The enzymes in the raw vegetables and the fiber help to promote a healthy digestive system which is important for a strong immune system.
It may surprise you, though, that it is also crucial to include salad dressing. Many people try to cut calories by using fat free dressing, vinegar or lemon juice with no oil. This is not the healthiest way to go.
Why? Salad dressing has the reputation of being fattening and unhealthy but a small amount of fat is actually necessary for your body to absorb the fat-soluable vitamins in your vegetables; A,E,D and K. These vitamins also help your body absorb other nutrients; for example vitamin D assists the absorption of calcium.
It is true, however, than many prepared salad dressing are full of sugar, artificial ingredients and high levels of the wrong types of fats. The best way to combat this is to make your own. Try to include 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil or canola along with vinegar or lemon juice. This small amount of healthy monounsaturated fat is not enough to ruin your diet but will increase the absorbtion of vital nutrients in your salad and boost your immune system.
