Looking for a few good ways to ward off colds and keep your immune system running in top shape? Then look no further than your kitchen! You may already have a few immune boosting foods sitting in the fridge and if not, it’s never too late to stock up.
How Foods Boost Your Immunity
Immunity boosting foods contain antioxidants and other nutrients. It’s these substances that fight the free radicals which suppress the immune system, damage DNA and may even cause cancer, as well as other diseases. Some studies suggest that those who eat more antioxidants may better protect themselves from such diseases.
35 Immunity Boosting Foods
Contrary to some claims, there isn’t one food that is going to give you an instant boost to your immunity. It seems like every year there is a new super fruit (acai berry anyone) with hefty marketing billing it as the next big thing. But, in order to get the most immune boosting benefits you need to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables containing vitamins A, C, E as well as other compounds like flavonoids.
With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of some antioxidant-rich foods. The key is to add a wide variety of these immune boosting foods to your daily balanced diet and give your immune system a boost, while giving those nasty free radicals the boot!
Vitamin C
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Snow peas
- Peppers (red, green or yellow)
- Papaya
- Orange
- Nectarine
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Mango’s
- Honeydew
- Grapefruit
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
Vitamin A
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Pumpkin
- Squash
- Watermelon
- Beets
- Carrots
- Collard Greens
Vitamin E
- Chard
- Sun-flower Seeds
- Papaya
- Mustard
Flavonoids
- Celery
- Tea
- Dark Chocolate
Zinc & Selenium
- Whole Grains
- tuna
- Nuts
- Poultry
- Red Meats
*This is by no means a complete list of every antioxidant-rich food available, but rather a good sampling of foods to possibly add to your diet.
** A few of these foods, such as broccoli contain a mixture of vitamins A, C and E!
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