New diseases, deadly viruses and other communicable microbes are sprouting and developing every minute of the day. Although the medical community is trying their best to find cures and remedies for diseases, disorders and other conditions, there are still a number of illnesses that are incurable and difficult to treat. For ordinary folks like you, the best way to fight diseases is by taking preventive measures, such as maintaining a healthy and strong body through exercise and healthy diet.

Another effective way to prevent catching infectious diseases, like colds, is to bolster your immunity. You can help your immune system to work at its peak by making sure you consume the right amount of vitamins and minerals your body needs everyday. Lucky for you, Mother Nature has provided the herbs, fruits and vegetables that are rich in health-giving nutrients. Below are some common foods that are packed with essential vitamins and minerals for optimum health:

Banana

Monkeys have always been portrayed as banana lovers. The reason behind the monkey's preference for banana is probably due to this yellow fruit's enormous health-giving qualities. For starters, bananas are rich in vitamins C, B6 and other antioxidants that are important in building immunity against many diseases. Bananas are also rich in potassium, which is an important element in combating heart ailments and high blood pressure. Lastly they also help ease diarrhea in infants, while helping relieve constipation in adults owing to its high-fiber content.

Bitter Melon

Asian countries have long discovered the value of bitter melon in fighting off a lot of serious diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes. Gumarin and Charantin are the substances in bitter melon that are known to help strengthen the body's immunity against certain diseases.

Scientists are also looking into the possible use of bitter melon in helping find cure for psoriasis, a type of chronic skin disease, and the HIV virus. What's more, this tart but delicious vegetable also has antipyretic, expectorant, de-worming, and purgative properties.

Garlic

It is a good thing that garlic is a main ingredient in most dishes all over the world because this bulb is one powerful grub. If you have hypertension, heart problems, blood clots and other cardiac diseases, you really need to eat several cloves of garlic everyday because it contains allicin, which is effective in lowering bad cholesterol levels in your blood. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal and even antiviral properties.

Pepper

Aside from adding spice in life, peppers are also vital in building up your immunity against various illnesses because of its high antioxidants and vitamin C content. Peppers also contain capsaicin that assists in curing pulmonary problems, especially those that are linked to smoking.

Honey

We should make an ode to the bees for their wonderful gift of honey. This sweet but healthy treat has been used for centuries to heal wounds because of its antiseptic qualities. Honey is also important in fighting bacterial infection. Aside from giving energy, honey is also useful in bolstering your immune system, preventing certain types of cancer, aiding digestion, and lowering levels of bad cholesterol.

Tomato

Tomato sauce manufacturers have been advertising the cancer-fighting benefits of eating tomato-based dishes. This red and juicy delight contains lycopene, vitamins K, A and C, and antioxidants that are known to strengthen the immune system and even fight aging. No matter how you eat tomatoes - diced, sliced, cooked, or raw - you are still sure to reap its health-giving benefits.

It is recommended that you eat about five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables everyday, you can also reap the health benefits of the abovementioned foods by taking supplements. You will find a lot of products on the Internet that contain the nutrients provided by most of these power herbs, fruits and vegetables. One supplement that is rich in Vitamin C, zinc and other immune-boosting ingredients is Immunitril. Just drop by its website, www.Immunitril.com, to learn more about this product.