It is no secret that during this time of unknowns and suspense, everyone is doing what they can to better their health in order to protect the health of others. The body’s immune system is one of the most invaluable features of the human body. The immune system is responsible for helping the body fight off any type of virus or infection. Increasing one’s consumption of Vitamin C is the most popular and well-known way to help aid the immune system. Vitamin C is most commonly found in citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.
However, there are more foods that one can eat that can help the body support its immune system and keep functioning as well as it can.
–Red Bell Peppers: These contain twice as much vitamin C as any citrus fruit and are great to support the immune system. These are good cooked and thrown into a dish with some protein, or eaten raw and dipped into one’s hummus of choice.
–Broccoli: While this vegetable is not everyone’s favorite, broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals and is arguably the best vegetable to include in a meal. Broccoli delivers the most nutrients when it is cooked for only a few minutes, or eaten raw.
–Garlic: Used to fend off vampires and illness, it can add another flavor to most dishes. Garlic is super packed with nutrients that help boost immunity and lower blood pressure. Minced garlic can be thrown into a quick pasta dish or mixed into a green salad, the amount one adds is based on their affinity to garlic.
–Spinach: Overlooked by most, spinach is packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants like beta carotene. Beta carotene helps the immune system fight infections. Similar to broccoli, spinach is most beneficial when barely cooked. Toss it into a pasta dish at the last second with broccoli and garlic for a wholesome flavor or use it as a base for a salad.
–Poultry: White meats, specifically turkey and chicken, are packed with vitamin B-6. Vitamin B-6 helps the body create new and healthy red blood cells which can circulate and help the body protect against illness. Cooked chicken with a side of sauteed broccoli and red bell pepper is a filling and tasty meal.
We want to wish everyone well and know that we are all in this together and have the ability to overcome this difficult time.
*Additional immunity boosting food information from healthline.com