The pandemic has taught us all a lot about the importance our immune system holds. We are constantly exposed to potentially harmful microbes of all sorts and our immune system is what helps us in fighting them and staying healthy. There are many things like mental stress, lack of rest, excessive weight, and environmental toxins embedded in our lifestyle that depress our immune system. What we need here to keep ourselves healthy is to at least consume the right food that can help boost our immune system.
Here are 9 foods that boost immunity.
1. Citrus fruits
Your choice of turning directly towards vitamin C is because it is a great immunity booster. Scientifically explained, it increases the production of white blood cells in our body that help in fighting diseases. What is a better source of vitamin C than citrus fruits? Some of the popular citrus fruits that you should add to your diet are:
- Grapefruit
- Oranges
- Lemon
- Tangerine
- Kaffir lime
2. Dark chocolate
Containing the antioxidant theobromine, dark chocolate is a great immunity booster and also protects our body from free radicals. It also contains high calories and saturated fat therefore, should be consumed in moderation.
3. Turmeric
The spice majorly famous for being used in cooking is also used in some alternative medicines. Curcumin present in turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and also boosts your immunity system. Consuming a high concentration of turmeric can also help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage.
4. Ginger
Ginger contains some anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties and is likely to prevent many health problems by boosting our immunity. Because of all these properties, ginger is added to many teas, dishes, and even desserts.
5. Broccoli
Charged with vitamins and minerals, broccoli is a great source of vitamins A, C, and E. It also is a great source of fiber and antioxidants, and in order to get all its nutrients, it is advised to cook it very little while consuming.
6. Spinach
Containing many essential nutrients like Flavanoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants, spinach is also one of the best food items that can boost your immunity. Similar to broccoli, it is also best consumed when cooked only a little.
7. Green tea
Containing flavonoids and antioxidants that reduce bad cholesterol and blood clotting, and promote a healthy heart and only a small amount of caffeine, green tea is considered a food medicine that boosts immunity. As it contains only a small amount of caffeine it can also become a great alternative for black coffee.
8. Yogurt
A great source of vitamin D, yogurt helps in building our immunity system strong enough to fight diseases like cancer and asthma. What you should avoid is consuming flavored and rather consuming plain yogurt.
9. Almonds
An excellent source of vitamin E and also containing manganese, fiber, and magnesium, almonds can also help in boosting your immunity. Adults need about 15gms of vitamin E in a day and half a cup of almonds can easily fulfill it.