Hello Guys, Thanks for visiting our website. Today we will know about the “15 Healthy Foods to Boost The Immune System” which includes, citrus fruits, Red bell peppers, Broccoli, Garlic, Ginger, etc. So let’s dig into the topic and read in brief.
How can you strengthen your immune system? This has to be the most frequently asked question during the COVID-19 pandemic.
People are frantically looking for ways to boost their immunity through various medicines, diets, exercises, and so on. Eating a plethora of superfoods will not keep you healthy. However, eating the right foods not only helps you stay lean but also strengthens your immune system.
Organs, cells, tissues, and proteins make up the immune system. These work together to carry out bodily processes that fight pathogens, which are viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies that cause infection or disease.
Healthy Foods to Boost the Immune System
Certain foods may aid in the maintenance of a healthy immune system.
If you want to know how to prevent colds, flu, and other infections, your first stop should be at the grocery store. Plan your meals to include these 15 immune-boosting foods.
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapes, are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C improves your immunity and thus shortens the duration of your cold or cough.
Popular citrus fruits include:
- grapefruit
- oranges
- clementines
- tangerines
- lemons
- limes
2. Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C for people who want to avoid the sugar in fruit. Stir-frying and roasting both retain more nutrients in red bell peppers than steaming or boiling.
Vitamin C may help you maintain healthy skin in addition to boosting your immune system. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes and skin healthy.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is an additional source of vitamin C. It also contains powerful antioxidants like sulforaphane. For these reasons, it is a good vegetable to eat on a regular basis to support immune system health.
The key to preserving its potency is to cook it as little as possible, if at all. According to research, steaming is the best way to keep more nutrients in food.
4. Garlic
Garlic can be found in almost every cuisine on the planet. It adds a little zing to food and is essential for good health.
Its value in fighting infections was recognized by early civilizations. Garlic may also slow artery hardening, and there is some evidence that it helps lower blood pressure.
Garlic’s immune-boosting properties appear to be due to a high concentration of sulfur-containing compounds like allicin.
5. Ginger
Fresh or dried ginger is commonly used in cooking or herbal tea, and some people take ginger supplements for their potential health benefits.
Ginger could be anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral. Ginger can help with nausea and vomiting as well as digestion. Ginger root contains antioxidants and other nutrients that may help prevent or treat arthritis, inflammation, and various types of infection.
Ginger may also help to lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and other health issues.
6. Spinach
Dark, leafy greens, such as spinach, are good for your skin, hair, and bones. Protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals are also present.
Spinach made our list not only because it’s high in vitamin C, but also because it’s high in antioxidants and beta-carotene, both of which may help our immune systems fight infections.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is a dairy product that is produced by fermenting milk with yogurt culture. It contains protein and calcium, which may help maintain healthy gut bacteria.
Purchase plain yogurt rather than flavored and sugar-laden varieties. Instead, you can sweeten plain yogurt with fresh fruits and a drizzle of honey.
Yogurt can also be a good source of vitamin D, so look for brands fortified with this vitamin. Vitamin D is thought to boost our body’s natural defenses against diseases by helping to regulate the immune system.
8. Dry fruits and nuts
The potent antioxidant is essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin E-rich nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews are excellent antioxidants. To stay healthy, eat a handful of almonds. They are also high in proteins and fats, which help to maintain energy levels for a longer period of time.
Adults require only about 15 mg of vitamin E per day. A half-cup serving of almonds, which is approximately 46 whole, shelled almonds, provides approximately 100 percent of the daily recommended amount.
9. Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are popular in trail mix, multi-grain bread, and nutrition bars, as well as as a snack by themselves.
They are high in good fats, beneficial plant compounds, and vitamins and minerals.
Phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins B-6 and E are all found in sunflower seeds.
Vitamin E aids in the regulation and maintenance of immune system function. Avocados and dark leafy greens are two other foods high in vitamin E.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow spice widely used in cooking. It’s also in some alternative medicines. Turmeric consumption may improve a person’s immune response. This is because of the properties of curcumin, a compound found in turmeric.
Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to a 2017 review.
11. Black tea
A cup of black tea can lift your spirits while also boosting your immunity due to its high oxidant content. Various teas, including green tea and anise tea, act as antioxidants, containing polyphenols and flavonoids that are thought to boost immunity.
Aside from eating immune-boosting foods, there are other ways to boost your immunity, such as –
- Regular physical activity
- Getting a good night’s sleep
- Smoking and alcohol should be avoided.
- Stress reduction
- Maintain hygiene by washing your hands.
12. Papaya
The papaya, a previously exotic and rare fruit, is now available throughout the year.
Consuming papaya may reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, as well as aid digestion, improve blood glucose control in diabetics, lower blood pressure, and improve wound healing.
Papayas are high in potassium, magnesium, and folate, all of which are good for your overall health.
13. Kiwi
Kiwis are high in vitamin C, which is the vitamin that many people turn to when they feel a cold coming on.
While scientists aren’t sure how vitamin C works, it may shorten the duration of common cold symptoms and improve the function of the human immune system.
14. Meat and fish
Chicken, red meat, beef, pork, and seafood are all high in protein, which our bodies require to build and repair tissues. When you’re sick, a bowl of chicken soup feels like heaven. Chicken protein contains amino acids that aid in the formation of antibodies against infections. Shellfish, such as oysters and crab, are high in zinc, which helps you stay strong.
15. Shellfish
For centuries, people have eaten shellfish all over the world.
They contain a lot of lean protein, healthy fats, and minerals. Eating shellfish on a regular basis may boost your immunity, aid in weight loss, and promote brain and heart health.
Shellfish, on the other hand, is one of the most common food allergens, and some varieties may contain contaminants and heavy metals.
Varieties of shellfish that are high in zinc include:
- oysters
- crab
- lobster
- mussels
Keep in mind that you don’t want to consume more zinc than the daily recommended amount.
- Adult men should take 11 mg.
- 8 mg for the majority of adult females
Excess zinc can actually impair immune system function.
Other Ways to Boost The Immune System
The following lifestyle strategies may make a person’s immune system stronger:
- refraining from smoking
- regular physical activity
- keeping a healthy weight
- abstaining from alcohol or drinking in moderation
- obtaining adequate sleep
- reducing stress
- using proper hand-washing and oral hygiene
Good day, and welcome to Fitthour. My name is Shubham Vijay, and I am a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach with 6 years of experience in the fitness industry. At Fitthour, we specialize in types of training, such as strength training, cardio, or HIIT, and our mission is to help clients achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall health.
