Important Immune Boosting Foods for Healthy Eating.
More than ever we want to take better care of our bodies, not one method is going to do the trick. We recommend a healthy and balanced mix of food to keep up good health. Eating only immune-boosting food won’t cover all the bases trick, but it will help you build a stronger immune system with the benefits that come along with eating healthier.
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and boost immune function by increasing disease-fighting cells in the body. Beta carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A, helps keep your eyes and skin healthy.
Eat These!
Sweet potatoes, carrots, and green leafy vegetables are all excellent sources of vitamins for immune boosting.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to destroy free radicals and support the body’s natural immune response. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. Almost all citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C. Citrus isn’t the only way to get your Vitamin C, red bell peppers contain almost 3 times as much Vitamin C (127 mg) as much as a Florida orange (45 mg). They’re also a rich source of beta carotene.
Eat These!
Grapefruit, oranges, clementines, tangerines, lemons, limes, and red bell peppers!
Vitamin E tends to take a backseat to Vitamin C. However, this powerful antioxidant is key to a healthy immune system. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it requires the presence of fat to be absorbed properly. Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with vitamins and are also considered a healthy fat. Broccoli is filled with Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and many other antioxidants, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate.The key to keeping its power intact is to cook it as little as possible. Steaming is the best way to keep more nutrients in the food.
Eat These!
Almonds, broccoli, and spinach
Vitamin D may reduce the risk for viral infections, including respiratory tract infections. Increased Vitamin D in the blood has been linked to prevention of other chronic diseases including tuberculosis, hepatitis, and cardiovascular disease.
Eat These!
Fortified cereals, plant-based milks, and fatty fish. (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel)
Vitamin B-6 is an important player in many of the chemical reactions that happen in the body. It’s also vital to the formation of new and healthy red blood cells. Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, are high in vitamin B-6. About 3 ounces of light turkey or chicken contains nearly one-third of your daily recommended amount of B-6.
Eat These!
Oats, Bananas, Peanuts and Poultry, such as chicken and turkey.
Zinc doesn’t get as much attention as many other vitamins and minerals, but our bodies need it so that our immune cells can function as intended. Shellfish is packed with zinc.
Eat These!
Crab, lobster, and mussels.
Bonus!!!
Selenium is also a potent antioxidant, meaning it acts like a bodyguard to prevent cells from being attacked in ways that damage DNA. Three ounces of sardines provides over 80% of Selenium. Toss sardines into veggie dishes, tomato sauce, and pasta or add to your favorite salads.
Pure Pomegranate Juice is a drink that supports immunity via its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. The flavonoid antioxidants found in pomegranate juice have also been shown to combat viruses and decrease the length of a cold by as much as 40%.
