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How to boost your immune system: An unexpected fruit could arm your antiviral defences
A strong and healthy immune system is key to ward off infections to keep you feeling fit and well. Which unexpected fruit could boost your immune system?
Demonstrating impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this fruit has been found to boost “innate immune defences”.
Pharmacist Mike Wakeman spoke about the importance of anthocyanins – found in blackcurrants.
“We’re just beginning to understand how vital these are in terms of maintaining our wellbeing,” he began.
Research carried out by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research suggested eating blackcurrant “bolsters the first line of defence against ‘opportunistic infection’, which include seasonal viruses and bacteria.”
Scientists at Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, and the Leprosy Research Center and National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo, also found that the anthocyanins contained in the fruit had antiviral effects against a range of diseases.
With the coronavirus pandemic gripping the nation, there’s no better time to boost your immune system than now.
Nicki Bundock, of UK-based CurraNZ which uses New Zealand blackcurrants to produce a high-potency anthocyanin supplement, said: “People are clearly looking for something to give them a better chance of staying healthy as possible during these difficult times.
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“Anthocyanins are key to the antiviral properties [in] blackcurrants.
“New Zealand blackcurrants boast particularly high levels of anthocyanins due to two major factors: their exposure to increased levels of UV light in the southern hemisphere and the cold winters.”
Aside from supplement form, blackcurrants are available in stores and online to order.
While people are spending more time at home, it’s a great time to experiment in the kitchen.
Health benefits of the berry
Blackcurrants carry four times the amount of vitamin C than oranges.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is responsible for repairing body tissues and boosting the immune system.
Additionally, blackcurrants are antiseptic, antitoxic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
Help to keep your immune system strong by eating a healthy and varied diet and exercise.
Published at Sun, 29 Mar 2020 13:09:00 +0000
