(USA Features) It may be a little late to start a conventional garden, but now is the time to begin thinking about what you’re going to put in your greenhouse this fall and winter – or what you want to grow inside, in grow boxes or grow towers. Why not consider growing something that not only makes your main courses taste better but also gives support to your immune system, to help keep the winter chill and flu bug at bay?

Here goes:

1. Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for protecting cells against various compounds. It is also a powerful antiseptic, preventing diseases ranging from colds to cancers. Last but not least, it’s directly linked to the prevention of age-related diseases.

2. Cruciferous vegetables

These mostly leafy vegetables have sulfur-containing compounds that are converted into isothiocyanates (ITCs). These ITCs improve immune response and are also linked to cancer prevention. Examples of cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, broccoli, and radish.

3. Onions

This popular vegetable is rich with quercetin, a powerful antioxidant. It also contains anthocyanins, another powerful antioxidant. Onions are also known to reduce hypertension and are an adequate treatment for allergies.

4. Tomatoes

This popular fruit is nature’s best source of lycopene. One of the most powerful antioxidants in nature, it is exceptionally effective in preventing cancers, particularly of the prostate. It is also rich in both beta carotene and dietary fiber.

5. Mushrooms

Several of these fungi are directly linked to reducing the risk of cancers, particularly breast cancer. It is able to do so, because it enhances the function of T cells, a part of the immune system that attacks infections or tumor cells. While there are lots of delicious species, there are also plenty of poisonous ones; you have to make sure if the mushroom you’re looking at is edible or not. Some healthy choices: morel mushrooms, black chanterelle mushrooms, cauliflower mushrooms, reishi mushrooms and maitake mushrooms.

6. Beets

These are exceptionally good for purifying the blood. They are rich in iron, which boosts the functionality of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Beets also enhance the function of immunity-focused white blood cells. Last but not least, they facilitate detoxification.

7. Spinach

Spinach improves immune function in two different ways. It is rich in beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which increases the power of the immune system. It also contains zinc, a vital mineral that improves immunity.

8. Artichokes

This vegetable contains cynarin, a powerful detoxifier. Not only does it help with liver cleansing, but it also boosts overall body response with its high B vitamin content.

9. Asparagus

This vegetable has exceptional diuretic properties, which encourages the flushing out of toxins. Not only does it cleanse our body’s insides, but it is also effective in countering inflammatory responses.

10. Bell peppers

These vegetables, especially the red ones, are full of vitamin C. Not only do they contain a high amount of vitamin C, but they also contain beta carotene that improves immune system function.

Some people say that the key to having a strong and sturdy body is to eat vegetables. By eating these immunity-boosting foods, your body will become sturdy indeed.

By Sandeep Godiyal, Natural News.

Sources for this article include:

//voices.yahoo.com
//healthyeating.sfgate.com
//www.fitday.com

More:

• Gardening Your Way To Health: How Growing Your Own Food Can Help Boost Your Immune System
• Backyard Bounty: Vegetables Are Nature’s Original Nutritional Powerhouses
• Want Better Yields In The Garden? Look To The Heavens (Well, The Moon, Anyway)

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