Experts believe that a more severe than normal flu season is on the horizon. If you’re looking for ways to stay healthy during flu season and the rest of the year, one of the best things you can do is improve your immune system. This helps your body fight off viruses and infections and helps you improve your health overall.
One way to do this is through your diet. But what are some foods that boost your immune system? We’re glad you asked. Keep reading to learn about the best foods to help improve your immune health.
1. Citrus Fruits
When you have a cold, one of the first things people tell you to do is to make sure you get enough vitamin C. That’s because it helps to increase white blood cell production, which helps your body fight off infections.
Citrus fruits like grapefruit, tangerines, oranges, lemons, and limes are all high in vitamin C. To help improve your immune system, try eating an orange as a snack or incorporate citrus juice into your other meals for a boost in this powerful vitamin.
2. Green Tea
Did you know that you can boost your immune system just by sipping on one of your favorite drinks? Green tea is full of flavonoids and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which are powerful antioxidants. When you consumer ECGC, specifically, you can help improve the function of your immune system.
Check out these soursop tea bags for more information.
3. Spinach
You likely already know it’s important to eat your greens, but it doesn’t get much better than spinach. This leafy vegetable is full of vitamin C, beta carotene, and other vitamins and antioxidants to help you fight off colds and other sicknesses.
While cooking it lightly helps your body to absorb the vitamin A in spinach, try not to cook it too much, as it retains its nutrients the less you cook it. Try adding spinach into your normal salad for an added boost of vitamins with no extra effort.
4. Shellfish
While it might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of immune-boosting foods, shellfish is full of zinc. When you eat more zinc, it helps your immune cells to function more efficiently, to help you stay healthy.
The types of shellfish with the highest levels of zinc include:
- Lobster
- Crab
- Oysters
- Mussels
Check this site out if you want to order and crave for fresh lobster. However, monitor how much you eat, as you don’t want to go overboard. Too much zinc in your body can prevent your immune system function, so find a sweet spot for the best benefits.
5. Ginger
Have you ever had a glass of ginger ale when you have a stomachache? Ginger is a powerful ingredient that can help you feel your best. Not only can it help with nausea, but it also helps decrease inflammation levels overall.
This means it can help soothe a sore throat and it may even help decrease chronic pain levels.
Eat These Foods That Boost Your Immune System
Now that you’ve read more about the foods that boost your immune system, it’s time to hit the grocery store to stock up. By eating a healthy diet and incorporating these foods into it, you’ll help give your body the tools it needs to fight off future illnesses.
Want to read more food content like this? Check out our variety of mouth-watering articles before you go.
