Boost Your Immunity with 10 Power Foods

In the age of the coronavirus pandemic, there are steps you can take toward helping your immune system stay strong and healthy. Getting enough sleep, controlling stress and exercising are all things you can do, along with thorough hand washing and avoiding touching your hands to your face. Eating a diet that’s high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is also important, especially when it includes some of these foods that can naturally give your immune system a boost.

Elderberry

It’s an old folk remedy. This fruit is loaded with nutrients called antioxidants, and it may help fight inflammation. In some lab studies, an extract from the berries appears to block flu viruses. But scientists caution that more study is needed. 

Button Mushrooms

They give you the mineral selenium and the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin. That helps you in several ways. If you’re low on selenium, you may be more likely to get a more severe flu. Riboflavin and niacin play a role in a healthy immune system.

Acai Berry

Its dark color is a sign that it’s got plenty of nutrients called anthocyanins.

There isn’t any research that shows acai is good for any specific condition. But in general, antioxidants from foods are a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy these berries in juice or smoothies, or try them dried and mixed with granola.

Oysters

They’ve got zinc in them, which appears to have some virus-fighting powers. That’s probably because zinc helps create and activate white blood cells involved in the immune response. It also assists your immune system with tasks such as healing wounds.

Watermelon

It’s not only refreshing. When it’s ripe, it’s also got plenty of an antioxidant called glutathione. It strengthens the immune system so it can fight infection. To get the most glutathione in your watermelon, eat the red pulpy flesh near the rind.

Wheat Germ

It’s the part of a wheat seed that feeds a baby wheat plant, and it’s rich in nutrients. It’s a great way to get zinc, antioxidants, and B vitamins. Wheat germ delivers a good mix of fiber, protein, and some healthy fat. In recipes, you can substitute some of the regular flour with wheat germ.

Low-Fat Yogurt

Probiotics, found in yogurt and other fermented products, may ease the severity of colds. Look for labels that say “live and active cultures.” Also look for added vitamin D. Studies show that people with low vitamin D levels may be more likely to get colds or the flu.

Spinach

You’ll find lots of nutrients in this “super food.” One of them is folate, which helps your body make new cells and repair DNA. It also boasts fiber and antioxidants such as vitamin C.

Tea

Feel free to choose white, green, or black. Each delivers disease-fighting polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants seek out cell-damaging free radicals and destroy them.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes have beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. This helps bolster the immune system and may even improve the aging process.