FOODS TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSYTEM
Elderberry
It’s an old folk remedy. This fruit is loaded with
nutrients called antioxidants, and it may help fight
inflammation. In some lab studies, an extract from
the berries appears to block flu viruses. But
scientists caution that more study is needed.
Button Mushrooms
They give you the mineral selenium and the B
vitamins riboflavin and niacin. That helps you in
several ways. If you’re low on selenium, you may
be more likely to get a more severe flu. Riboflavin
and niacin play a role in a healthy immune system.
Acai Berry
Its dark color is a sign that it’s got plenty of nutrients
called anthocyanins.
There isn’t any research that shows acai is good for
any specific condition. But in general, antioxidants
from foods are a key part of a healthy lifestyle.
Enjoy these berries in juice or smoothies, or try
them dried and mixed with granola.
Oysters?
FOODS TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSYTEM
They’ve got zinc in them, which appears to have
some virus-fighting powers. That’s probably
because zinc helps create and activate white blood
cells involved in the immune response. It also
assists your immune system with tasks such as
healing wounds.
Watermelon
It’s not only refreshing. When it’s ripe, it’s also got
plenty of an antioxidant called glutathione. It
strengthens the immune system so it can fight
infection.
To get the most glutathione in your watermelon, eat
the red pulpy flesh near the rind.
Wheat Germ
It’s the part of a wheat seed that feeds a baby
wheat plant, and it’s rich in nutrients. It’s a great
way to get zinc, antioxidants, and B vitamins.
Wheat germ delivers a good mix of fiber, protein,
and some healthy fat. In recipes, you can substitute
some of the regular flour with wheat germ.
Low-Fat Yogurt
Probiotics, found in yogurt and other fermented
products, may ease the severity of colds. Look for
labels that say “live and active cultures.”
Spinach?
FOODS TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSYTEM
You’ll find lots of nutrients in this “super food.” One
of them is folate, which helps your body make new
cells and repair DNA. It also boasts fiber,
antioxidants such as vitamin C, and more. Eat
spinach raw or lightly cooked to get the most
benefit.
Tea
Feel free to choose white, green, or black. Each
delivers disease-fighting polyphenols and
flavonoids. These antioxidants seek out cell-
damaging free radicals and destroy them.
Caffeinated and decaf work equally well.
Sweet Potato
Like carrots, sweet potatoes have beta-carotene. In
your body that turns into vitamin A, which mops up
damaging free radicals. This helps bolster the
immune system and may even improve the aging
process.
Broccoli
It’s easy to find at the grocery store, and it’s an
immune-boosting basic. You’ll get plenty of
nutrients that protect your body from damage. It
has vitamins A and C, and the antioxidant
glutathione. Add to any dish or top with some low-
fat cheese to round out a side dish.?
FOODS TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSYTEM
Garlic
This kitchen staple does more than punch up the
flavor of food. Raw garlic can help beat skin
infections thanks to its ability to fight bacteria,
viruses, and fungi. To get the benefits, you have to
use the real stuff, though, not garlic powder. A garlic
supplement may even help lower your cholesterol.
Miso
This traditional Japanese seasoning, made of
fermented soybeans, usually comes as a salty
paste. You’ve probably had it in a soup, but you can
also add it to sauces. It has probiotics, the
“good” bacteria found in yogurt, some fermented
foods, and your gut. Because they give your
immune system a lift, they can help fight infectious
diarrhea as well as other types.
Chicken Soup
There’s hard science behind Grandma’s favorite
cold remedy. Homemade chicken soup really can
ease your symptoms and may help you get well
sooner. What’s more, there’s a chemical in it called
carnosine that can protect your body from the flu
virus. Don’t have time to make soup from scratch?
Researchers say many store-bought soups have
the same effect.?