Nutritional Immunology
Nutritional Immunology is a highly relevant science that revolves around the fundamental desire of human beings to fight diseases and live longer. It studies the link between nutrition and the immune system. It advocates prevention over cure. Our immune system, like the engine of a car, requires sufficient fuel for it to always be in peak performance. An appropriate and adequate supply of disease-preventing nutrients like antioxidants, phytochemicals and polysaccharides give us the nourishment needed to protect our body from daily viral, bacterial and other dangerous threats.
What is so special about antioxidants, phytochemicals and polysaccharides? Antioxidants protect the body’s cells from damaging effects of oxidation and as a result, the threat of premature ageing or even diseases like cancer. Phytochemicals not only give plants their color, flavor, smell and texture, but also bolster the immune system in a myriad ways, from preventing infections to strengthening the heart and improving blood sugar profiles. Polysaccharides are long chain sugars that increase the production of natural killer cells as well as interferon and interleukin, body chemicals that trigger an immune response. Polysaccharides are also being actively researched for their anti-cancer and anti-viral properties.
Nutritional Immunology encourages us to obtain these disease-preventing nutrients from a wide variety of plant sources, like cactus, soy, mushroom, grape seed and ginseng berry on a daily basis. What is amazing is that Nutritional Immunology not only advocates eating wholesome foods but also guides the selection of plant species and parts as well as harvesting and processing methods. For example, did you know that there are over 80 different species of ginger but all contain different combinations of nutrients? Or that the ginseng berry is now actually thought to be as nutritious (if not more) than the ginseng root?
Nutritional Immunology ensures that the quality and quantity of nutrients are not compromised and that consumers are only offered plant foods with optimal nutrition.
Prolonging and enhancing the quality of our lives is not an unattainable dream but a reality. Thanks to Nutritional Immunology
