Given the instability of the weather and the indecision of winter this past period, it is important to protect our bodies from the risk that the non-stop change in the weather puts our bodies at. Enriching our diets in immunity-boosting foods can help keep the uninvited cold at bay. Here are 14 foods that help boost the immune system.
Citrus fruits
The Vitamin C in citrus is very well known for its immunity-boosting abilities.
Tomatoes and Red Peppers
Like citrus, tomatoes and red peppers are excellent sources of immunity boosting vitamin C.
Garlic
Garlic also seems to be an all time favorite when it comes to fighting infections. Garlic’s immune-boosting properties appear to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin. Raw garlic has the ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Ginger
Ginger is very rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents which have potent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Nuts
The abundance of Vitamin E in nuts like almonds makes them ideal for preventing and fighting off colds.
Oysters
Oysters are very rich in zinc which plays a vital role in healing wounds and fighting viruses. They also contain significant amounts of selenium, iron, vitamin C, protein, and vitamin A.
Watermelon
Ripe watermelons contain glutathione: an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system so it can better fight infection. They also contain other important nutrients including potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
Yogurt
Because it’s rich in probiotics, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin B2, yogurt has the ability to alleviate colds.
Spinach
This superfood is packed with vitamins and nutrients that are useful for all sorts of things. Folate, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, fiber, magnesium, and iron in spinach boost the immune system and help with cell division and DNA repair.
Tea
Tea contains lots of the disease-fighting antioxidants polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants seek out cell-damaging free radicals and destroy them.
Broccoli
Like spinach, broccoli is one of the richest vegetables when it comes to its nutritional value. It has contains beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and B6), vitamin A, vitamin C, and the antioxidant glutathione to boost your immunity and help fight infections.
Chicken soup
Hot chicken soup has an anti-inflammatory effect that eases inflammation in the upper respiratory and helps with nasal decongestion that develop once you get a cold.
Turmeric
The curcumin in turmeric may have the ability to improve a person’s immune response.
Raw Organic Honey
Because honey is naturally an antibacterial, it can kill the germs in your body that can cause you to get sick. Honey also helps alleviate cold symptoms and relieve sore and itchy throats.
