Foods That Boost the Immune System

Foods play a very important role in boosting the immune system. The immune system does a great job of defending the body against pathogens. Also, it provides resistance to infection and toxins. In order to keep it functioning properly, we need to provide the body with the necessary foods that are super-loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Here are foods which are super-charged with the necessary nutrients that boost the immune system and keep it functioning smoothly.

1. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits contain vitamins in abundance. This vitamin increases the production of white blood cells, which is known to fight infection and also build up your immunity. This is the reason why most people turn to vitamin C whenever they have a cold infection. Because the B and C vitamins cannot be produced or stored in the body, it is very important to feed the body with the daily recommended amount of this water-soluble vitamin known as Vitamin C. This can be achieved by eating or adding a squeeze of this vitamin to your meal. The popular citrus fruits include orange, limes, lemon, grapefruit, and tangerines.

2. Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers contain three times as much vitamin C as citrus. They are a rich source of an antioxidant known as beta-carotene. Beta-carotene and vitamin C are the commonly known immune boosters. Besides boosting your immune system, they also help keep the eyes and skin healthy.

3. Broccoli

This vegetable is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. It is one of the healthiest veggies that deserve a space on your plate. The vitamins and antioxidants found in this fruit help to keep the immune system strong. To keep this vegetable’s power intact, cook it as little as you can. If possible, don’t even cook it at all in order to retain its nutrients.

4. Garlic

This commonly known herb is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics. It has a lot of incredible health benefits. This household herb's immune-boosting properties seem to come from a highly concentrated sulfur-containing compound contained in it known as allicin. Besides its ability to boost the immune system, it also helps lower blood pressure, treat infection, and also slow down atherosclerosis.

5. Spinach

Although spinach is not chockfull of vitamin C, it is packed with numerous antioxidants which are powerful immune boosters. The key to keeping the power of spinach is to cook it lightly in order to retain its nutrients. Nevertheless, light cooking enhances the vitamin A contained in it and allows other nutrients to be released from oxalic acid.

6. Papaya

This fruit is super loaded with vitamin C. It contains about 224 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. This fruit has a reasonable amount of vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, all of which boost the immune system and are also beneficial to the health. Also, it contains papain, a digestive enzyme that has anti-inflammatory effects.

7. Kiwi

Kiwi is naturally full of essential nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folic acid. The vitamin C contained in it boosts the white blood cells to fight infection. It is highly beneficial in regulating and maintaining immune system function.