8 foods that boost your immune system and help keep you healthy
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1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits are full of vitamin C, which is known to support immunity. Adult women should get 75 mg of vitamin C daily, while men should get 90 mg.
To support the immune system, vitamin C helps the body repair tissues and maintain healthy skin and blood vessels.
In addition, vitamin C is an important antioxidant, a substance that prevents cell deterioration and improves immune function.
2. Green leafy vegetables
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in vitamin A, which is important for immune function. Men need 900 micrograms of vitamin A daily, while women need 700 micrograms.
According to a 2018 study, scientists know that vitamin A is important for the immune system, but they don't understand exactly why. They believe that vitamin A affects the production of bone marrow. Bone marrow produces immune cells such as lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that can help fight infection.
A study published in 2019 found that leafy greens are also rich in dietary nitrate, an organic compound that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate the immune system.
3. Red pepper
Red pepper is particularly beneficial for immune health. According to a research paper published in April 2020, experts recommend red peppers as part of a healthy quarantine diet due to their vitamin A and C content.
4. Yogurt
Souffront says yogurt is a great source of protein, which can help maintain healthy bones and skin. "Healthy tissues are the first barrier against infection," she added, and when your skin is healthy, it blocks harmful bacteria or viruses, for example.
In addition to providing protein, most yogurt products contain live bacteria, which are bacteria that improve the health of the gut microbiome that influences immune function and contributes to a person's ability to ward off infection.
5. Green tea
"Green tea is very rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. Overall healthier cells will allow the body to have a better immune response," explains Souffront.
6. Gingerbread
Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in 2013 found that ginger supports the immune system and may be effective in preventing cancer.
Souffront recommends sticking to fresh ginger, as it's more effective than a supplement. For this reason, using fresh ginger in cooking or tea is best.
7. Garlic
"For centuries, people have been touting the health benefits of garlic, with suggestions that it can help with heart disease, high cholesterol, and colds and flu," Souffront says.
8. Turmeric
Souffront says the immune benefits of turmeric are related to curcumin, which is the ingredient that gives it its deep yellow color.
"Curcumin appears to have the ability to modulate the immune system by activating certain immune-related cells and inhibiting the effects of certain inflammatory compounds," Souffront explains.
A report released in August 2020 concluded that turmeric could be a beneficial immunity booster. It can be easily added to tea or incorporated into recipes such as curries