8 Best Foods To Boost Immune System
Pandemic or not, the immune system is extremely essential to our health. As a defense mechanism to fight against infection and keep our body healthy, a good immune system is critical to our survival. There are many different ways to boost your immune system, including leading a healthy lifestyle to maintaining positive emotions. But it’s safe to say, your best bet to a strong immune system is through foods and nutritions. What are the 10 best foods to boost your immune system? Check them out below!
1. Fruits & Vegetables With Loads of Vitamin C
It’s no secret that citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes etc are people’s favorite to quickly suppress cold symptoms. Similarly, vegetables such as pepper bells, broccoli, kale to cantaloupe have the same power to bring your health back up. This is because vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals that damage the immune system.
2. Foods With Vitamin E
Vitamin E is also another type of nutrient that is packed with powerful antioxidants. Research suggests maintaining ample levels of vitamin E is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, especially among older people. To get your fill of vitamin E, include food such as almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanut butter, wheat germ oil and more to your diet.
3. Garlic
A must have to bring your cooking to life, garlic is known for its infection-fighting properties known as allicin. This sulfur-concentrated compound is produced when garlic is crushed or chopped, and it’s been found to reduce inflammation and offer great antioxidant benefits. It also demonstrates antibacterial, anticancer and chemopreventive activities.
4. Ginger
Not just to expel gas during indigestion, ginger also offers a wide range of health benefits including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and immune boosting properties. It is a strong antioxidant that helps kill bacteria, internally and topically, and helps eliminate congestion. Gingerol or ginger extract also has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth.
5. Spinach
In addition to its rich vitamin C content, spinach is also rich in beta carotene which is an important nutrient to immune function, and also antioxidants. A combination of these powerful nutrients easily adds to your body infection-fighting stability. The leafy green is also packed with vitamin K which strengthens bone.
6. Green Tea
Care for a cup of immunitea? All tea has antioxidants called polyphenols and flavonoids which are credited with boosting immune function. Particularly in green tea, the level of antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is exceptionally strong which has been shown to enhance the immune system. Despite being brewed in hot water, the antioxidant is preserved and as such may also favorably affect your cholesterol.
7. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are high in selenium and B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin. These minerals and vitamins are necessary for the immune system to work in tip top form. Mushrooms are also high in polysaccharides, sugar-like molecules that boost immune function. And, they work so well in most cooking too!
8. Acai Berry and Elderberry
The berry family has been linked to numerous healthy benefits. For example, Acai berry is a potent antioxidant called anthocyanins, which works to combat oxidative stress and eliminate free radicals. It has also been used in potential studies for conditions such as Flu, Covid-19 and more. Meanwhile, elderberry offers vitamin B, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and antioxidant flavonoids. Elderberry extracts have antiviral, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties too.
