When it comes to boosting your immunity, you may be wondering which herbal supplement is best: echinacea or elderberry? While both are available at Mother's Market, they have different properties and benefits. Elderberry contains more antioxidants and vitamin C than echinacea. If you can tell the difference between a bacterial and viral infection, echinacea can help your body fight bacteria. The benefits of echinacea make it better for preventive measures, while elderberry is better for when a disease already exists.
Echinacea has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries and, in recent years, has become one of the most used herbal remedies in the world. Studies suggest that complex substances called “phenolic compounds” are responsible for the immune-supporting properties of echinacea. Echinacea has traditionally been used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu-like infections. If you have a cold, it's time to make yourself a hot cup of echinacea tea. No list of foods for immunity would be complete without mentioning the antioxidant zinc, a powerful weapon for the body's natural defenses.
Even a small deficiency in this mineral can undermine immune function, leading to a reduction in natural killers, T cells and antibodies, as well as a poor immune cell response. Like vitamin C, your body doesn't easily store zinc, so you should consume plenty of it every day to keep your nutrient stores at their peak. Legumes, eggs, seafood, meat, nuts, seeds and whole grains abound in this antioxidant superstar. When it comes to boosting your immunity, both echinacea and elderberry have their own unique benefits. Echinacea is best taken as a preventive measure while elderberry works well when you are already sick. Echinacea contains phenolic compounds that help support your immune system while elderberry is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
Zinc is also an important mineral for immunity and can be found in many foods such as legumes, eggs, seafood, meat, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
