Are protein food sources good for the immune system? When you think about boosting the body’s immune response, you often think of antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and D. Along those lines, people also look for supplements that have essential minerals like calcium and zinc as part of an immune booster formula.
Experts say that protein is not only crucial for building muscle and providing the body with the energy it needs. It is also vital as a defence against bacterial and viral infections. Remember that the powerhouse behind our immune system is the body’s antibodies.
One little tidbit that you ought to know is that antibodies rely heavily on protein. When the body is short in protein, it leads to reduced immunity, apathy, fatigue, and weakness.
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Best Sources of Protein for Vegans
Vegans don’t consume sources of protein like those from meat such as beef, pork, fish, chicken, eggs, and other poultry. That is why you have to be a bit picky about your protein sources. You can use protein supplements to augment your nutritional needs. However, it would help if you made sure that the product that you purchase contains vegan-friendly ingredients.
The following are two of the best sources of healthy protein for vegans.
Pea Protein
Pea protein is an excellent source of protein. It can be a good part of an immune booster formula. It contains branched-chain amino acids, arginine, and iron in good supply. They do not only improve muscle growth, but these nutrients also support heart health and give you a feeling of fullness, which helps in overall weight loss.
Brown Rice
Not all people would think of brown rice as a source of protein. However, brown rice is a decent source of protein. Current dietary guidelines recommend around 3 to 6 ounces of brown rice for adults per day.
According to the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory, one cup of long-grain brown rice contains 5 grams of protein. Apart from that, it also has fibre, carbohydrates, selenium, and B vitamins. Overall, brown rice is a healthy immune booster and energy source for the body.
Note that not all pea protein and brown rice are the same. Some are GMOs, while some are organic. We recommend non-GMO sources.
Why Get Non-GMOs
When choosing an immune booster supplement, you should make sure that you’re getting one that is GMO free. But what are GMOs? GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. The World Health Organization defines them as organisms that have their genetic materials that have been altered.
You can find GMOs in crops such as canola, corn, and soybeans. These crops have altered genetic material so that their nutrient contents can be boosted. GMO foods are also made more resistant to pests.
Organic foods, on the other hand, don’t have any altered genetic material—which means they are all-natural. Completely organic food is free of additives, solvents, fertilizers, and pesticides. Organic foods are usually USDA-certified and they are processed under strict federal guidelines.
Organic foods are a lot better than GMOs for several reasons. GMO crops have led farmers to use more pesticides that are chemical-based. They also cause allergic reactions to some people. Organic foods are raised without any pesticides, which make them safer for consumption.
Choosing a Non-GMO Immune Booster
When choosing a protein-based vegan-friendly immune booster formula, you should check the label carefully. Make sure that the ingredients are GMO-free.
Protein is important for boosting the immune system. Your body’s immune powerhouse requires protein to fight off bacteria and viruses.
