Nutritional Immunology The Science of Disease Prevention In 2003, SARS suddenly and cruelly affected many lives, killing almost 1,000 people. From 2004, bird flu’s killing spree has become more and more heinous with almost 70% of the infected dying from the disease. What’s disturbing is that these fatalities could have been prevented. Nature has blessed us with an incredibly effective fortress against nasty pathogens through the human immune system. With proper nourishment, it is able to build up a strong defense against diseases like cancer, diabetes and influenza. Through the production of ‘immune soldiers’, such as macrophages, B and T white blood cells, our immune system actively seeks out foreign enemies and destroys them. Microbes are constantly present in the environment but we do not succumb readily when our immune system is well-maintained. The only indication of our immune system being compromised is when we fall sick. 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. Like the engine of a car, our immune system 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 gives 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 that have been linked to premature aging and even diseases like cancer. Phytochemicals not only give plants their color, flavor, smell and texture, but also bolster the immune system in a myriad of 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, such as 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.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 09:17:58 +0000
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