If you're going to ask health professionals what keeps us healthy, they'll probably tell you that it is a well-maintained immune system backed up by healthy eating and living. And it's true. A properly functioning immune system guards the entire body from invading virus or bacteria.

But how do we make sure we keep our immune system working perfectly? We go back to the answers of the doctors: eat healthy. And we're not just talking about an apple a day here. We're talking about beverages and cooking ingredients that help boost the immune system.

What kind of foods are we talking about, let's cite some examples:

Tea
Taking constant tea breaks have been proven to pump up the immune system T cells into Herculean T cells that pumped out 10 times more of the cold/flu virus-fighting protein called interferon. Aside from fighting off colds and flu, it can also safeguard the body against food poisoning, wound infections, athlete's foot, and diseases like malaria or tuberculosis.

Mushrooms
Not too keen to eating fungus? You might want to rethink that. Mushroom has been studied and proven to increase the production and activity of our white blood cells, making them more aggressive in combating virus or bacteria. Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms are just about as great tasting as they are great for the health.

Beef
Zinc is one of the many immunity-bolstering minerals the body needs to stay healthy. It helps increase the production of white blood cells in the body. Beef is one of the many sources of zinc in our diet. A 3-ounce serving of lean beef can just about provide you with 30% of the daily recommended amount of zinc. But if beef is one of your stomach's weak point, try other zinc sources like oysters.

Garlic
Although eating garlic-heavy foods have been said to cause bad breath, this immune system booster contains the active ingredient, allicin. Allicin is said to have infection and bacteria-fighting abilities.

Now that you have a bit of an idea on what kinds of foods can help pump up the immune system, you can start including them in your diet and get on your way to a healthier you.

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