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Immune System
Our immune system is a complex network of chemical and biological mechanisms that have evolved over thousands of years in order to defend our body from threats to its fitness and survival. During seasonal changes, or during periods of stress, it is very important to take care of our immune system so that it functions optimally and protects us from seasonal diseases such as colds, coughs and other viruses and bacteria.
The answer is simple: there are several factors that affect our immune system; however, we will present here the most common causes. The frenetic pace of daily life and the stress that it causes create tension throughout our organism, making our natural defenses vulnerable. If we add to this factor a carefree and unbalanced diet, in a context of sedentary life, our organism will resent it.
This set of unhealthy habits characterizes, more and more, the modern lifestyle that often leads us to a constant state of weakness and vulnerability. By putting our body under stress, we are therefore exposing it to countless threats to our physical and psychological health.
Vitamin C: an immune system stimulant and much more
We all know that the best way to strengthen our immune system is by storing vitamin C. Nature offers us help all year round by providing fruits and vegetables with a high content of this substance. Some of the foods that are naturally rich in vitamin C are strawberries, citrus fruits and also, brassica like cabbage and broccoli and even tomatoes.
However, although vitamin C is essential to our health, our body does not produce it. Therefore, to consume the necessary amount of vitamin C, we must rely on a balanced diet.
There are many different opinions: according to medical opinion, 60/90 mg on average per day for an adult should be sufficient. But there are some doctors who suggest a much larger amount. Linus Pauling, Nobel Chemistry Prize winner in 1954, suggested daily doses of 1,200 mg! He was the first American scientist to suggest that vitamin C could be used to strengthen the immune system and treat colds.
Research conducted by the Cochrane group in 2007 showed that high intakes of vitamin C (200 to 1,000 mg) can reduce the occurrence of influenza in athletes by up to 50%.
Once vitamin C is ingested through food, it is absorbed into the intestine and then passes into our blood. Vitamins are essential micronutrients to ensure the efficiency of our immune system. Vitamin C, in particular, helps white blood cells fight infections, stimulates the production of phagocytes in cells and improves the functioning of T lymphocytes. Phagocytes are used to fight pathogens, while T lymphocytes are key cells in our immune system.
Iswari products with high Vitamin C content:
Camu Camu & Acerola: In this product we offer the nutritional power of both superfoods, with a combination of 70% of Camu Camu with 30% of Acerola. This blend combines the benefits of these two fruits - known to be the largest sources of vitamin C on the planet - providing, per suggested dose, 310% of VRN** of this nutrient!
Baobab: This African superfood is known for its extraordinary nutritional properties, including a high content of vitamin C, but also minerals and fibers. Excellent for nourishing our intestinal flora.
Goji berries: they are small fruits of a plant of Asian origin, similar to a bush, a relative of the tomato. Having to withstand the most severe temperatures at high altitudes, these berries develop enormous amounts of antioxidants to protect themselves. They are very rich in vitamin C.
Reishi Mushrooms: this miraculous mushroom is used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been known for thousands of years for its beneficial properties to the immune system, partly thanks to its abundance of Vitamin C!
An organism subject to a prolonged state of stress demonstrates insufficient immune defenses for effective protection against threats. Our body naturally produces different types of antioxidants; however they may not be sufficient to recover our system from a situation with problematic proportions.
Scientific studies show that a regular intake of antioxidants undoubtedly has a positive impact on the prevention of oxidative stress and thus its harmful effects. In addition to this effect, antioxidants also promote an increase in the effectiveness of immune cells.
Iswari products with high antioxidant content
Regular/recommended antioxidant intake can be guaranteed through healthy and functional foods such as Spirulina and Chlorella algae, the amazing Acai berries, as well as Matcha and Wheat Grass powder.
Spirulina: It's one of the most famous algae nowadays, but it doesn't stop there, because it's actually one of the most nutritious too! It has an extremely high iron content and has many other minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. It is undoubtedly an excellent option to strengthen the immune system.
Chlorella: It is the largest source of chlorophyll on the planet and one of the largest antioxidant foods that nature offers us.
Acai: These Amazonian purple berries stand out from all the fruits for their enormous antioxidant content. It's an unquestionable weapon for our immune defenses.
Matcha: This is the richest form of green tea in terms of antioxidants, reflecting all the benefits of the plant's young leaves, which are processed cold and finely - maximizing the absorption of their properties. It is the perfect option for a hot drink, able to invigorate our defensive barriers.
Wheat Grass: It is undeniable that shoots are rich in antioxidants. Wheat grass thus reinforces this claim, as the shoots of this cereal are harvested at the beginning of their germination, before they develop gluten. This characteristic makes this superfood suitable for coeliac and intolerant individuals.
A 2007 scientific study has shown how the active substance of a famous and common spice can strengthen our immune system in order to decrease the risk of developing many diseases. We are not referring to the simple colds or flu, but to diseases with higher inherent risks such as asthma, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis or even cancer.
Corroborating this study, the Journal of Clinical Immunology published an article in which two medical researchers explained the correlation between this yellow spice and the benefits it provides to our body and thus the impact it has on our health.
Let us talk about curcuma - the vibrant spice that we all know as the basis of Indian curry.
Also known as 'Indian saffron', this small root visually similar to ginger contains several virtues: it is rich in vitamins and minerals, but its particularity comes from curcumin, its active substance.
This constituent of turmeric has made this root famous as a potent and natural anti-inflammatory, but it is also studied by the scientific community for its enormous healing properties at different levels of the body.
Curcuma: How much should we take? And how to take it?
A daily dose of 5g of turmeric is generally recommended, the equivalent of one teaspoon of this spice. However, we must take into account the weak assimilation that our organism makes of turmeric. Thus, there are some tips that enhance this absorption:
• Curcumin (the active substance of turmeric) is liposoluble, so its ingestion should be done in combination with food containing fat. A few drops of coconut oil or cocoa butter are enough to enhance its assimilation.
• Curcumin is activated only in the presence of piperine, the active substance of black pepper. This is the reason why these two spices are often combined, namely in curry! A small pinch is enough, but indispensable.
•Curcuma should not be cooked for very long periods and at high temperatures, to avoid losing its properties.
•It is essential that the curcuma has organic origin and properly handled. Any turmeric that is intensively cultivated and uses pesticides and polluted water will not offer its benefits in the same way because of its low content of vitamins, minerals and, essentially, curcumin.
The best way to enjoy the taste and properties of curcuma is through golden milk. This Ayurvedic recipe involves preparing a hot vegetable drink with a teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, half a teaspoon of cinnamon and some coconut oil, and can optionally be sweetened with organic honey. This is the old secret for the continuous strengthening of the immune system.
