Nine Amazing Foods That Boost Immunity

Feeding your body certain foods may help keep your immune system strong.

If you are looking for ways to prevent colds, the flu, and other infections, your first step should be a visit to your local grocery store. Plan your meals to include these powerful immune system boosters.

I. Citrus Fruits

Most citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. With such a variety to choose from, it is easy to add a squeeze of this vitamin to any meal.

Popular citrus fruits include:

▪️ grapefruit

▪️ oranges

▪️ clementines

▪️ tangerines

▪️ lemons

▪️ limes.

II. Red Bell Pepper

Ounce for ounce, red bell peppers contain almost 3 times as much vitamin C (127 mg as a Florida orange (45 mg. They are also a rich source of beta-carotene.

III. Broccoli

Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed 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.

IV. Garlic

Garlic adds flavor to food and has long been used for medicinal purposes.

Early civilizations recognized its value in fighting infections. Garlic may also slow down hardening of the arteries, and people use it to treat high blood pressure.

V. Ginger

Ginger is another ingredient many turn to after getting sick. Ginger may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and inflammatory illnesses. It may also help with nausea.

VI. Sunflower

Sunflower seeds are full of nutrients, including phosphorous, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and E.

Vitamin E is important in regulating and maintaining immune system function.

VII. Green and Black Tea

Both green and black teas are packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Where green tea really excels is in its levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), another powerful antioxidant.

VIII. Paw-paw

One small papaya contains 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Papayas also have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects.

IX. Chickens

Chicken and turkey, is high in vitamin B6. About 3 ounces of light turkey or chicken meat contains nearly one-third of your daily recommended amount of B6.