Lifestyle

Immune-Boosting Foods To Keep Stocked

Immune boosting foodsImmune boosting foods

Keeping your immune system up to par is especially important during this trying time. So forget the pharmacy and head to the grocery store. Eating certain nutrient-packed foods helps keep your immune system strong, and ready to serve you. So treat yourself to these six immune-boosting foods to help you stay well all year long.

Squeeze in More Citrus

Ever wonder why so many people turn to vitamin C? That’s because it helps support your immune system so your body can stay well. So get some vitamin C in your system support a healthy immune response. Some of the best sources of Vitamin C are citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons and limes. So, go grab some citrus to juice up your meals, along with your body’s natural defenses.

Start Stalking Broccoli

This superfood is supercharged with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that help your body fend off invaders. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, help strengthen your immune response to threats. See, these veggies contain a chemical compound called glutathione, which helps increase your body’s natural ability to stay well. To maximize broccoli’s benefits, eat it raw.

Get Cultured with Yogurt

When it comes to keeping a healthy immune response, you may want to look to probiotics. These are the healthy bacteria found in yogurt that help your immune system stay on top of germs. Research has shown that eating yogurt high in probiotics can help boost your immune response, which help your body keep sickness at bay. Yogurt is also full of vitamin D, which may also strengthen your natural defenses against disease.

Warm Up to Chicken Soup

This bowlful of comfort may also be a spoonful of cure. There’s nothing quite like it when you're under the weather. So why may chicken soup be the best medicine? First of all, chicken is high in zinc, which is a mineral that boosts the body’s production of the white blood cells- your body's first line defenders against infection. Next, the broth is brimming with collagen, which can help supports your gut – and your gut plays a big role in your immune system. When the chicken cooks in the broth, it releases nutrients and amino acids that your body loves. So while chicken soup can be good for the soul, it’s may be even better for feeling well.

Savor the Benefits of Garlic

Don’t turn your nose up at garlic because it’s stinky. It’s been boosting immunity for centuries. Renowned for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, research has shown that garlic stimulates the production of germ-fighting white blood cells, which help fight infections. To get the most bang for garlic’s bite, allow chopped garlic to sit for 15 minutes before cooking to increase its healthy compounds.

Get Hooked on Fish

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel are swimming with omega-3 fatty acids that also increase your white blood cell activity. Your immune system also gets a healthy dose of vitamin D. So when you’re trying to stay well, eating fatty fish can help tip the scales in your favor. 
 
Staying healthy is a year-round priority so be sure to seek out these six immune-boosting foods for a better shot at staying well. 

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