8 Foods That Help Boost Your Immunity
If we have strong immunity, our body will be able to fight viruses, bacteria, and other harmful germs and pathogens. Our immune system includes organs, tissues, cells, and proteins. Together, they do all the bodily functions that prevent pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and other foreign bodies to do harm and cause viruses, diseases, or infections.
Importance of Immunity During Cold and Flu SeasonÂ
To boost your immunity, you need to consume various foods that can enhance your immune system. During cold and flu season, your body needs to have a robust immune system to fight off pathogens that can make you sick. In addition to keeping your immune system functioning properly, you also should be putting a focus on keeping your body in good condition through proper exercise. A healthy and well-balanced diet can help you to boost your immunity.
Below, we will talk about some foods that can help you enhance your immunity and prevent the invasion of any harmful foreign bodies.
Foods to Boost Your Immunity
1. Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and tangerines have Vitamin C, which has been shown through research to help boost your immunity. Vitamin C increases white blood cells in our body, and it is a crucial nutrient to aid in fighting infections.
Since our body does not produce or store Vitamin C, we need to consume foods with Vitamin C to enhance our immune system.
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2. Elderberry
You might not have heard about this fruit, but this superfood is excellent at helping to boost your immunity. It is said to be an old folkway of remedy. Elderberry is full of antioxidant nutrients, which helps to fight inflammation.
The fruit extract also helps to fight flu viruses, which can be a useful addition to your diet during cold and flu season. To learn more about elderberry, read Elderberry 101: Immune & Health.
3. Dark Chocolate
For all the chocolate lovers out there, here is some great news. Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which is an antioxidant that can boost your immunity and protect your body from free radicals.
It is true that dark chocolate is good for your immune system, but you should also keep in mind that they are high in saturated fat and calories, so you will want to consume it in moderation – it doesn't mean you can open the floodgates and eat as much as you wish (unfortunately).
4. Mushrooms
Button mushrooms are a great addition to your diet if you are trying to boost your immune system during cold and flu season. Mushrooms are high in vitamin B (niacin and riboflavin) and selenium. These vitamins and minerals are vital for our immune system to stay healthy and strong.
Mushrooms also consist of polysaccharides, which have been shown to help boost your immunity.
5. Red Bell Peppers
Red Bell Peppers have almost three times more vitamin C than any citrus fruit out there. Hence, they are great for enhancing your immune system. With the high amount of vitamin C and the rich source of beta carotene, red bell peppers would be a great addition to your diet to boost your immunity and give your meals some added flavor.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables on earth, as they are full of vitamins and minerals. With a rich source of Vitamin C, A, and E, along with fiber and various antioxidants, broccoli is by far one of the healthiest additions you can make to your diet for enhancing the immune system.
The key is to cook your broccoli as little as possible, or you can consume it uncooked (raw) as well. You want to do this so that the nutrients stay intact and aren't destroyed through the cooking process.
7. Oysters
Oysters are an excellent food you can implement into your diet to boost your immunity. Oysters contain zinc, which is said to have serious viral-fighting powers. It is because zinc helps create and activate the white blood cells in our body's immune system. Besides boosting your immunity, zinc can help speed up the recovery process and heal wounds as well.
8. Garlic
Garlic, as we know, is a common home remedy to cure colds and other illnesses. It has been discovered that garlic has allicin, which reduces the risk of catching a cold. For that reason, garlic is the most proper food to include in your diet during the cold and flu season.
Other Ways to Boost Your Immunity
There is one thing that you must keep in mind, and that is variety. Consuming only one of the foods mentioned above will not provide you the most benefits when it comes to boosting your immunity. You must keep rotating the foods mentioned in your diet.
Eating healthy is a great start to boost your immunity and fight off viruses and other illness. You can more easily maximize your immunity and health when you are aware of the foods you should eat. And if you exercise regularly, you need to be mindful that you need an even higher intake of vitamin C due to your body using it up due to your increased activity level and the demand put on your body.
Raise Your Shield and Boost Your Immune System
Unfortunately, not many people are consuming a wide variety of the foods mentioned above. For that reason, many of them can become deficient in vitamin C. If you want to ensure that you help boost your immunity, consider utilizing supplements to fill your nutritional gaps.
Imunology Daily Immune is a great product to implement into your daily supplement regimen. With a comprehensive 7-part formula with probiotics, vitamins (including vitamin C), minerals, and many more immunity-boosting ingredients, Daily Immune is the perfect addition to your healthy lifestyle.
If you want to help double your protection, you can combine Daily Immune with Imunology Vira-Shield, which utilizes a unique defense formula that contains Quercefit® and Betula Alba Bark Extract.
Stay healthy, and stay protected with Imunology.