While there are a few different ways to fight against the common cold and flu, your diet is one of your greatest assets. A healthy diet can help to fight minor issues like sores and skin issues, so consuming the right healthy superfoods should be a top priority. Here are 6 foods that can help boost your immunity and keep you healthy throughout cold and flu season in the most natural way possible.
Peppers and Citrus
These foods contain great amounts of vitamin C, which is a vitamin that can help support your immune system.
Blueberries
These little blue fruits are also immune-boosting superfoods.
Blueberries contain flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that can help reduce damage to cells and also help boost your immune system. In addition, blueberries have plenty of vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese. However, please note that blueberries are most beneficial if they are WILD blueberries due to the fact that there is a major health difference between wild blueberries and farmed ones. Wild blueberries have TWO TIMES the antioxidants.
Green Tea
Green tea has been used for thousands of years as a natural medicine. One of the reasons researchers think it’s good for you is because it contains a substance known as catechin, which helps maintain your immune system and it is also a powerful antioxidant.
Mushrooms
Nutritional benefits of mushrooms include the ability to boost the immune system and combat diseases by providing important vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
Mushrooms contain vitamin D, which can help keep your immune system stronger. Varieties like shiitake, maitake and reishi are particularly good for staying healthy during the cold and flu season.
Almonds
Nuts, particularly almonds, contain many different types of nutrients, such as protein and vitamin E. While vitamin E’s not as important to a strong immune system as vitamin C, it is still needed to keep your immune system healthy. A half-cup of almonds provides your daily recommended amount of vitamin E. Almonds are a highly nutritional nut and a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium. It also contains zinc, selenium, copper, and niacin. Compared to all other nuts, they are richer in nutrients and beneficial components.
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are packed with vitamins A, C and E as well as antioxidants and fiber. Some vegetables in the cruciferous family are broccoli, bok choy, kale, cabbage and brussels sprouts. These vegetables are healthiest raw or lightly cooked. The combination of vitamins and antioxidants from cruciferous vegetables helps to boost your immune system.
Share with us what your favorite immune boosting superfood is in the comments!
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