The Seven Superfoods of Immunity

The Seven Superfoods of Immunity
From recurring flu seasons to a global pandemic, it is no secret that keeping a strong immune system is key to staying healthy – which makes it easy with these seven immune-boosting superfoods!

With flu season fast approaching, the strength of our immune system will once more be put to the test. Our immune systems defend our bodies from external pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and germs, which can make us ill. It is made up of a number of different organs, cells and proteins – all working together to keep us healthy and well. While our immune systems are undeniably a vital part of our health, day-to-day lifestyle choices can severely impact its ability to function effectively. 

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wei Qi – or Defensive Qi – serves as the first line of defence against foreign invaders. Qi is generated by yin (functional aspects of the body such as blood) and yang (material base of the body, like organs) and is at peak production when there is balance between yin and yang.  Just like any battle, when pathogens invade your body, more wei qi is needed to protect it from further harm and illness. Luckily, there are many traditional medicinal herbs that can boost your body’s wei qi production naturally. Here, we name seven superfoods to boost your immune system and how you can incorporate them into your diet.

Cordyceps
Cordyceps, is a known immune-boosting food both in TCM and increasingly among the general public as well. It is believed that Cordyceps stimulate certain cells and chemicals within the body that lead to increased immunity functions. Evidence also suggests that Cordyceps may have beneficial effects on cancer – in particular, skin and lung cancers – by fighting cancer cells and reducing the size of tumours. TCM practitioners also use Cordyceps to address yang deficiencies. By promoting the production of yang, Cordyceps can combat fatigue and improve your respiratory system.

With Eu Yan Sang, you can now consume Cordyceps in a variety of ways, click here to find out more.

Goji Berries
More than 2000 years ago, a doctor visited a village where inhabitants lived well over 100 years old. In looking for the cause for their long-life, he found a well surrounded by goji plants and surmised that as the berries fell into the well, its age-defying nutrients seeped into the water that was then drunk by the villagers, associating the goji berry to longevity.

Legend aside, the goji berry has long been an anti-aging wonder in TCM. However, it is also known to be an effective immune booster. Our gut is key to maintaining a strong immune system, and goji berries support good gastrointestinal functions while delivering essential vitamins A and C to our bodies. It is also high in antioxidants, the purpose of which is to fight harmful free radicals, thereby reducing our risk of cancer and heart diseases.  

The neutral flavour of goji berries lends itself well to both savoury and sweet cuisines, and makes great on-the-go snacks. For more info, click here.

Ginseng
Ginseng is another popular herb in TCM herbal remedies. Believed to heal many of the ailments that we struggle with today, it has been labelled as the “all-healing” ingredient of TCM. 

For centuries, people have taken ginseng to increase their body’s natural resistance to illnesses. Research suggests that ginseng can enhance the effectiveness of influenza vaccines thereby increasing our immunity to the flu . Additionally, some research has found evidence that Ginseng may control inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, arthritis, and microbial infections². 

Ginseng can be incorporated into your diet very much in the same way as Cordyceps. However, it is better suited to savoury dishes than sweet. With a wide array of Ginseng products available on Eu Yan Sang, you can now have the liberty of consuming it based on your personal preferences. 

Lingzhi
Lingzhi, also known as Reishi or Ganoderma lucidum, is hailed as the immortal mushroom. Prized for its anti-aging and vitality boosting effects, it has been a favourite among those seeking for both beauty benefits and good health. Furthermore, Lingzhi has strong immune-boosting effects. 

The mushroom contains bioactive peptides that are known to support the body’s fight resistances to bacteria and promote wound healing. It is also believed to increase immune function on multiple levels, while simultaneously improving communication between the respective components of the immune system, enabling it to respond more quickly to infections³ .

While you can get Lingzhi in its raw form, Eu Yan Sang Lingzhi Cracked Spores Series is more readily-absorbed by our body and regarded far more effective. 

Bird’s Nest
While edible bird’s nest has long been sought-after for its beauty benefits – namely wrinkle and acne reduction as well as brightening effects – it is becoming increasingly known for its immune-boosting abilities as well. Recent research has linked edible bird’s nest consumption to improved immunity. Evidence suggests, it can enhance cell’s antibody-secreting functions, while boosting the production of B-cells that are crucial to our immune system . Edible bird’s nest has also shown promise as an anti-viral agent against influenza .

Eu Yan Sang offers a diverse range of high quality bottled bird’s nest, and has become a daily must-have for many individuals. Click here to browse the selection!

White Fungus
The white fungus, otherwise known as the snow fungus, is an edible coral-like mushroom found commonly in Asia and tropical climates around the world. It’s yin-nourishing properties have been known to reduce heat in the body as well as promote overall health and longevity. This has been supported by research, which suggests that white fungus may be anti-inflammatory, while its high antioxidant properties help protect our bodies from free radicals that cause cell and tissue damage .

As for our immune system, the white fungus may increase a type of white blood cell activity that enhances our body’s ability to fight bacteria . Likewise, white fungus contain polysaccharides that have shown promise in regulating immune response and reducing infection-related mortality .

White fungus is often cooked in soups, both sweet and savoury. Sweet white fungus dishes mainly involves boiling of the fungus alongside a myriad of ingredients such as red dates, dried longan, goji berries and lotus seeds with sugar. On the other hand, if you prefer a savoury taste, white fungus can also be added into recipes like chicken soups.

Sea Cucumber
Last, but certainly not least, is the sea cucumber – a type of marine invertebrate. Research supports the significant fatigue-fighting properties of sea cucumbers as well as their values in immune regulation . High in collagen, these marine wonders are also considered beneficial for maintaining youthful skin.

Sea cucumbers are incredibly nutritious, comprising of Vitamins A, B1, B2 and B3, as well as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc – making them a wonderful ingredient for health tonics . Sea Cucumber Essences are also readily available on Eu Yan Sang, making it easy to consume with zero fuss.

                                        

Eu Yan Sang’s Pure Cordyceps Series Whether you are rundown and overworked or simply getting older, your body can be more susceptible to illnesses, infections, and viruses when you are low on Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). Eu Yan Sang’s Pure Cordyceps series, contains a super enzyme that is especially effective at charging our life batteries, ATP. These cordyceps also work to strengthen your immune and respiratory system while giving you an energy boost and reducing fatigue.  The capsules and essences are both convenient and easily consumed. Our Pure Cordycep series contain Hirsutella Sinensis, which is a strain of cordyceps that is proven to be 99.645% genetically identical to rare Wild Cordyceps. It also uses bioactive compounds of high potency found in Wild Cordyceps, which may help improve vitality and general health. Eu Yan Sang’s Goji Essence Boost A delicious and simple way to make the most of your superfood intake, Eu Yan Sang’s Goji Essence Boost is powered with Vitamin C that benefits eyes, skin and immune health. Goji berries are a natural source of beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, which are good for cell development and support your immune system. They also protect eyes from free radicals and harmful blue light from electronic devices. Eu Yan Sang’s Ginseng series For thousands of years, people have used ginseng as an anti-aging agent. Also renowned for its ability to increase the body’s resistance to stress, and immune-boosting properties, ginseng is also the go-to ingredient for individuals with hectic schedules. Eu Yan Sang’s Ginseng series brings together the best of the east and the west and is 100% natural.  Eu Yan Sang’s Lingzhi Range Whether you are looking for your very own elixir of longevity, or simply trying to boost your immune system, Eu Yan Sang’s Pure Lingzhi Essence is here to help. Heralded for its anti-aging properties, ability to reduce fatigue and enhance immunity, lingzhi has been ‘The Wonder Herb’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Eu Yan Sang’s Pure Lingzhi range is 100% natural and is a great addition to your daily routine. Eu Yan Sang’s Bottled Bird’s Nest Range If you are looking to get your hands on the renowned “Caviar of the East”, then look no further than at Eu Yan Sang. Our bird’s nests are 100% natural, with no artificial colour or flavouring. Believed to improve respiratory health with great benefits for skin elasticity and overall complexion, Eu Yan Sang’s wide range of bottled bird’s nest and tonics may be just what you need to restore your inner glow.    Eu Yan Sang’s White Fungus Does your body feel dry? Or perhaps you feel especially hot in the afternoons. If so, you may be suffering from yin-deficiency. Eu Yan Sang’s White Fungus is known for nourishing your body’s yin naturally, increasing body fluid and removing heat from the body. A great addition into sweet herbal desserts or savoury soups, Eu Yan Sang’s White Fungus is a delicious must-have in every health-conscious pantry. Eu Yan Sang’s Premium Sea Cucumber Essence Highly nutritious and deemed beneficial for skin health, Eu Yan Sang’s Premium Sea Cucumber Essence makes consuming sea cucumbers easy and fuss-free. The essence uses wild premium sea cucumber harvested from the clean waters of the South China Sea. So it’s 100% natural! Whether you are recovering from a recent surgery, or looking for a natural way to boost your immunity, consider this your go-to wellness essence.

---

1. PubMed, “Efficacy and safety of the standardised Ginseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protections against the common cold [corrected]”
2. PubMed, “Ginseng, the ‘Immunity Boost’: The Effects of Panax ginseng on Immune System”
3.PubMed, “Immunomodulating Effect of Ganodermal (Lingzhi) and Possible Mechanism”
4. PubMed, The improvement effects of edible bird’s nest on proliferation and activation of B lymphocyte and its antagonistic effects on immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide
5. PubMed, Edible Bird’s Nest: The Functional Values of the Prized Animal-Based Bioproduct From Southeast Asia–A Review
6.PubMed, “Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharides Attenuate Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Macrophages through miR-155”
7. PubMed, “Molecular cloning and function characterization of a new macrophage-activating protein from Tremella fuciformis”
8.PubMed, “Tremella Polysaccharides attenuated sepsis through inhibiting abnormal CD4⁺CD25(high) regulatory T cells in mice”
9.PubMed, “Comparative study on the bioactive components and immune function of three species of sea cucumber”
10.PubMed, “High-Value Components and Bioactives from Sea Cucumbers for Functional Foods—A Review”