If there's a sign to strengthen our immune systems, the past few years was it. Aside from lifestyle factors, eating nutritious food can prevent disease. Your lifestyle can either boost or break your immunity. But with so many options, which should you include in your diet?
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Fortunately, we have the answer for you! From fruits filled with vitamins to snacks packed with minerals, there are many foods for healthy immune system. By including these in your diet, you can support and strengthen your health.
Healthy eating and maintaining a balanced diet are critical for immune system function. Infections and diseases can also be curbed with nutritious foods.
Which Foods Boost My Immune System?
Almonds
These tree nuts are amazing sources of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off common colds. Including healthy fats in your diet has health benefits. These fats include those found in nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish. They can help reduce inflammation and fill nutritional gaps.
On the other hand, saturated fat can weaken your immune system. That includes those from foods like red meat and butter. Limiting your intake and opting for healthier fats are important.
Aside from this fat-soluble vitamin, almonds are packed with manganese, magnesium, and fiber. With these nutrients, a small handful of almonds can make for a quick and healthy snack.
Vitamin D and vitamin E also support immune function. They are found in fatty fish and fortified dairy products. Nuts and seeds contain vitamin E as well.
Bell Peppers
No matter their color, bell peppers are rich in vitamin C. In fact, they have more vitamin C than an orange.
Another nutrient bell peppers have is beta-carotene. The body converts it into vitamin A, keeping your eyes and skin healthy.
Broccoli
This tree-looking veggie is jampacked with a bunch of vitamins and minerals. With vitamins and antioxidants, add broccoli to a dish with red meat and a splash of olive oil. This is an easy way to reinforce your body’s defense system. Eating various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can boost immune function.
Citrus Fruits
Aside from oranges, you can try other citrus fruits like:
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruits
- Kumquats
Citrus fruits are known for being excellent sources of vitamin C. They help shorten the duration of the common cold or other infections during flu season. Chronic micronutrient deficiencies can impair immune system function. It can also increase your susceptibility to infections. That includes vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc deficiencies.
This means it's important to add vitamin C to your daily diet.
Garlic
If you do all the cooking, you may find this ingredient in most dishes. Aside from adding more flavor to your food, it plays a vital role in a strong immune system.
Garlic is known to have a heavy concentration of compounds that contain sulfur. This allows it to make foods that boost your immune system. Garlic supplements are touted for immune-boosting properties. However, whole foods like fresh garlic are often a better source of nutrients. They also have beneficial compounds for overall immune health and function.
Aside from this, garlic can help fight against the hardening chronic inflammation of arteries.
Ginger
Another common ingredient you may see when preparing food is ginger. Much like garlic, it isn’t just put in food for the flavor.
Ginger is often used to lessen the severity of sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses. Its effects can also improve your gut health. According to different studies, this is thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Try consuming foods with immune-boosting properties, such as ginger and turmeric. That way, you can help your body fight infection and build a stronger immune system.
Kiwis
Another great source of vitamin C, kiwis have other nutrients like folate, potassium, and vitamin K. Vitamin C is key to a strong immune system. However, the other nutrients help your body function at its best.
Papayas
Joining the ranks of vitamin-C-rich foods, papayas are a great immune system boost.
Also, like kiwis, papayas have decent amounts of folate and potassium. Along with magnesium, which it has in store, this fruit helps you stay healthy.
Poultry
There’s a reason why chicken soup is a popular dish served to those who are sick. Its main ingredient provides many benefits, like reducing inflammation in the body.
It contains high amounts of vitamin B-6, which is important in the body’s chemical processes. One example is the creation of new red blood cells.
Seafood
While people often get advised against fatty foods, fatty fish is an exception. This is because its fats, specifically omega-3 fats, boost immune system function.
Fatty fish to include in your balanced and healthy diet are:
- Albacore tuna
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Trout
Another seafood to consider, and this may be surprising, are certain foods and shellfish. Some types of shellfish are packed with zinc. This nutrient is a key factor in strengthening your body’s immune response to prevent illness.
Shellfish that are high in zinc are:
- Crab
- Lobster
- Mussels
- Oysters
Spinach
Another member of the “rich in vitamin C” family is spinach. It also has vitamin E, numerous antioxidants, and beta-carotene. With spinach, your body may get the help it needs to fight a viral infection more easily.
Foods rich in vitamin E, such as green tea and leafy greens, can help boost your immune system. They neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Sunflower Seeds
Another snack with the power to boost the immune system is sunflower seeds. They contain vitamins B-6 and E, phosphorous, and magnesium.
One thing that sets sunflower seeds from other foods is selenium. Foods that boost this vitamin can help your body fight against certain viral infections.
Turmeric
This bright yellow spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. That's why they are used to stem the effects of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
What gives it its power is also what gives it its color; high concentrations of curcumin. While more research is necessary, it is believed to help boost the immune cells' function. It can be a surefire way to fight against viruses and other illnesses. Adding immune-boosting foods like ginger and green tea into your diet can help fight cold viruses. It can also fight off other infections by stimulating the production of white blood cells and antibodies.
Yogurt
Aside from being a great source of vitamin D, yogurts contain live and active cultures. Eating yogurt can increase your body's immune response.
Be sure to avoid yogurts flavored or sweetened with sugar. Instead, opt for plain yogurts and include healthy fruits or honey to add flavor.
To Wrap Up
There are plenty of foods with immune-boosting nutrients. Alongside these nutritious and delicious foods, why not give yourself an extra boost in immunity? Foods high in protein, zinc, and probiotics can enhance your immune function. That will help you stay healthy and resilient against common illnesses.
Eating foods to boost your immune system is crucial in maintaining your body's defense. This can be a good way to fight against harmful pathogens, chronic diseases, and illnesses. It highlights the importance of consuming the right nutrients to stay healthy.
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For Best Results Get The Best Foods to Eat for a Healthy Immune System Workbook