Development of functional foods to enhance immunity
Explore the development of functional foods designed to boost immunity, including active polysaccharides, vitamins, and proteins for health.
Development of Functional Foods to Enhance Immunity
Functional food is a type of food with special health functions, that is, it is suitable for consumption by specific groups of people, has the ability to regulate body functions, does not cause any acute, subacute or chronic harm to the human body, and is not for the purpose of treatment, including food that enhances types of human body constitution, preventing diseases, regulating body rhythm, restoring health and delaying aging. Among them, immune-enhancing functional foods are a major category of functional foods. The main active ingredients are active polysaccharides, functional oils, vitamins, active proteins and other substances.
The Evolving Role of Food in Health and Immunity
With the continuous development of the times, chronic or acute diseases have an increasing impact on the human body. At the same time, the mechanism of using immunomodulatory substances to regulate the immune system and maintain or restore physical health is becoming increasingly clear. Compared with using medicine for health care or treatment, food health care is safer and is increasingly trusted and favored by consumers. In addition to providing the body with essential basic nutrients and trace elements, food can also help regulate the body’s immunity and metabolism, especially food ingredients from natural resources, which are more compatible with the human immune system. If people take in foods containing immunomodulatory substances in a long-term and stable manner through their daily diet and obtain immune globulin and various active factors that resist infection, they can improve the body’s immunity, maintain physiological balance, and keep the body healthy.
Understanding Immunity and Immunomodulation
Foundations of Immunity and Its Regulation
Immunity is a process in which the human body recognizes “self” and “non-self” components through the immune system, and rejects or eliminates diseased cells produced by itself and antigenic substances that enter the human body through the immune response process. The immune regulatory mechanism can help the human body resist unwanted biological invasion, maintain normal activities of human life and relative physiological stability, and maintain good health. Usually, immune regulation is a dynamic balance process. If the body’s response to the invasion of external pathogenic microorganisms is too low, it will cause serious infection in the body, and if it responds too much, it will cause allergic reactions. Therefore, immune regulation plays a very important role in maintaining the stability of the human body’s internal environment. The immune system is an important part of the body’s immune regulation function. It consists of immune organs (such as bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, etc.), immune cells (such as lymphocytes, phagocytes, granulocytes, platelets, etc.), immune activity Composed of substances (such as antibodies, immunoglobulins, lysozyme, interleukins, interferons, etc.); it has clearance, monitoring and defense functions. In response to the invasion of most pathogens, the non-specific immunity produced by the body through the first line of defense (skin and mucous membranes) and the second line of defense (phagocytic cells and bactericidal substances in body fluids) can play a regulatory role, and the immunity against specific pathogens Invasion, the body achieves defense through specific immune regulation of the third line of defense composed of immune organs and immune cells.
Key Immunomodulatory Substances and Functional Foods
The Role of Active Polysaccharides in Enhancing Immunity
Polysaccharides are a type of natural polymer compound composed of aldose or ketose linked by glycosidic bonds. They are widely found in plant and microbial cell walls and are an important part of the body. They have immune regulation, anti-viral infection, and anti-tumor properties. and other physiological activities, and can participate in regulating various life activities such as cells. Common polysaccharides include plant polysaccharides, animal polysaccharides and microbial polysaccharides. The immune activity mechanism of polysaccharides mainly includes enhancing macrophage activity, promoting antibody production, activating signaling pathways, promoting immune-related gene expression, promoting lymphocyte transformation and proliferation, etc. It has the advantages of low toxicity, low adverse reactions, no residue, and good effect. . As an immunomodulatory substance, polysaccharides are currently widely used in immunomodulatory functional foods and occupy an important part of the functional food market.
The Importance of Functional Oils and Fats for Immunity
Fat is an important nutrient and energy source in animals, and plays a huge role in the growth and development of animals. Therefore, as an important nutrient and energy supply material for the body, fat also affects the body’s metabolism. Only correct and reasonable intake can ensure the enhancement of the body’s immunity. Oils and fats with special physiological functions are usually called functional oils. Some special nutrients or active substances they contain can directly or indirectly improve the body’s immune function and
Recommended Immune-Boosting Protein Source
ETprotein’s Rice Protein for Enhanced Immunity
In the pursuit of immune-modulating functional foods, it’s important to consider high-quality protein sources that support the immune system. ETprotein’s rice protein emerges as an exceptional choice for those seeking to bolster their immunity through diet. This plant-based protein is not only easy to digest but also contains a complete amino acid profile, including those with immunomodulatory effects such as glycine, arginine, tryptophan, and glutamine. Suitable for a wide array of dietary preferences, ETprotein’s rice protein offers a natural, allergen-free option to enhance your daily nutrition and support a healthy immune response. Integrating this versatile protein into your diet can contribute significantly to maintaining a balanced immune function and overall well-being.
About ETprotein:
ETprotein, a reputable rice protein Chinese factory manufacturer and supplier, is renowned for producing, stocking, exporting, and delivering the highest quality organic bulk vegan protein and plant proteins. They include Organic rice protein, clear rice protein, pea protein, clear pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, sunflower seed protein, mung bean protein, etc. Our offerings, characterized by a neutral taste, non-GMO, allergen-free attributes, cater to a diverse range of industries. We serve nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, veterinary, as well as food and beverage finished product distributors, traders, and manufacturers across Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Brazil, and Chile, among others.
Our specialization includes exporting and delivering tailor-made protein powder and finished nutritional supplements. Our extensive product range covers sectors like Food and Beverage, Sports Nutrition, Weight Management, Dietary Supplements, Health and Wellness Products, and Infant Formula, ensuring comprehensive solutions to meet all your protein needs.
As a trusted company by leading global food and beverage brands and Fortune 500 companies, ETprotein reinforces China’s reputation in the global arena. For more information or to sample our products, please contact us and email sales(at)ETprotein.com today.