Foods That Super Charge Your Immune System

As we approach autumn, the weather is fluctuating and we can feel a chill in the air. A change in temperatures can compromise our immune system and reduce our resistance to germs. Flu season with sore throats, bronchitis, sinus infections, stomach flu and more are inevitable and we all know the havoc it can wreak on our bodies if we’re aren’t prepared. There are several powerful minerals and vitamins that can help support our immune system and discourage illnesses. Nutrition is a natural way to support our immune system support, and most of the healing foods mentioned below are probably already in your home.

Garlic

We all love the added flavor garlic adds to our meals, but it’s also abundant in properties that fight infection. Garlic helps boost our immune system with its rich concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, like allicin.

Turmeric

Turmeric can flex its immune-boosting muscles with its high level of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its potent active ingredient curcumin can help your body fight the deluge of foreign invaders we come into contact with, especially during the winter months. Add a teaspoon to your smoothie to start your day off.

Red Bell Peppers

Because of the high levels of vitamin A, C, and antioxidant properties, including beta-carotene, the versatile red bell peppers are a great option for improving your immune system. These delicious red veggies have 190 milligrams of vitamin C – 3 times more than oranges, it’s high in vitamin E with 204 milligrams per cup, it’s packed with Vitamin A and it’s a great source of beta-carotene.

Ginger

Ginger is bursting with immune-boosting benefits. The therapeutic benefits from gingerols found in ginger root, act as a highly potent flu-fighting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent which is perfect for the flu season. It’s also great for nausea and turbulent tummies.

Citrus

Citrus fruits are abounding with natural sources of vitamin C, which is essential for fighting off infections. Because our bodies do not produce or store vitamin C, we need to include lots of these fruits in our diet to help keep our immune system in tip-top shape.

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the most nutrient-rich foods you can eat because it’s chock full of antioxidants and vitamins. First, it’s abundant in immune-boosting vitamin C, plus it contains vitamin E, vitamin K, folic acid, magnesium, potassium and chromium. It also has indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane which are compounds that display anti-cancer effects.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are rich in powerful antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenols and vitamin C to help boost your immune system and fight disease. They’re also high in fiber, which is good for healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, plus it can help to slow the progression of prostate cancer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to offer any medical advice whatsoever. If you have any health concerns, see your healthcare provider.