This post discusses 8 foods to boost your immune system.
Are you looking for a natural way to boost your immunity?
There are plenty of things you can do to accomplish this, but one of the easiest is through your diet.
What we eat dramatically affects our well-being, and since 70% of our immune health resides in the gut, it makes a lot of sense to focus on nutrition.
So, in this post, we’ll share eight foods to boost your immune system that I bet you never even suspected.
How Does Food Boost Immune Health?
The food you eat plays a huge role in keeping your immune system healthy.
Your gut bacteria interact with immune cells in your stomach, and this interaction is heavily influenced by your diet and lifestyle.
Eating plenty of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains helps support a diverse gut microbiome and reduces inflammation.
On the flip side, a diet high in animal proteins, processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can limit bacterial diversity, which promotes inflammation and can lead to chronic conditions.
By focusing on a nutrient-rich diet, we can keep our immune system strong and resilient against illnesses.
Foods to Boost Your Immune System
Below are eight foods you may not have suspected that may boost your immune system. Add a few of these to your diet to keep your body healthy and strong!
Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit originally from Central America, but today you can also find it growing in places like Hawaii, Africa, and even India.
Eating papaya provides loads of vitamins and minerals that help fight off cancer, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
The vitamin C content in papaya is particularly impressive, providing more than 200% of your daily needs.
This high vitamin C content helps fend off infections, protects against free radicals, and improves cellular function, all of which boosts your immune system.
Guava
Much like the papaya, guava originated in Central America, specifically Mexico and northern South America.
Nowadays, this fruit is enjoyed in regions all over the world. High in nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, guava is great for improving digestion and relieving menstrual pain.
It also has four times the amount of vitamin C compared to an orange, significantly supporting your immune function.
Parsley
Parsley has its roots in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly in southern Europe and western Asia.
As a culinary and medicinal herb, it is grown in various parts of the planet and has enormous beneficial qualities.
Rich in nutrients like vitamins K, C, and A, parsley aids in cell growth, reduces inflammation, and boosts overall immunity.
Watermelon Radish
The watermelon radish gets its name from its whitish-green exterior and bright pink interior, resembling a watermelon.
Originating from northern China, it is packed with minerals like potassium, which helps keep blood sugar in check.
The watermelon radish also lowers bad cholesterol, improves metabolism, and reduces the risk of cancer.
Plus, it’s high in vitamins C and A, which further promotes a healthy immune system.
Basil
Basil is an aromatic herb often associated with Italian cuisine, but it is actually indigenous to India and Southeast Asia.
It’s packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins C and K, zinc, magnesium, and calcium.
This herb contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and offers a litany of health benefits, including reducing stress, aiding digestion, and supporting immune function.
Artichokes
Artichokes are spiky plants believed to have originated in the Mediterranean and North Africa.
They’re full of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that help fight disease.
Artichokes are also high in protein and fiber, which help fill you up, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol.
Additionally, their high vitamin C content stimulates white blood cell production, and the phytonutrients have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that support healthy immune function.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are white-brownish fungi that come from North America and Europe.
They have plenty of nutrients including vitamin D, selenium, fiber, phosphorus, and protein.
These nutrients boost your immune system by promoting cell growth, assisting in the prevention of cell damage, as well as protecting and repairing tissue.
Carrots
Carrots that are domesticated originate from Central Asia however, wild carrots are native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
They come in an assortment of colors like white, purple, yellow, orange, and red.
This vegetable has a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants like fiber, vitamin C, fiber, and beta-carotene.
Together they support your immune health by enhancing white blood cell production, protecting from free radicals, reducing inflammation, and supporting gut health.
Boosting Your Immunity
I love finding out how different foods affect our health.
The body is basically just chemistry, so the more we know about how nutrition impacts us, the better dietary choices we can make.
There are tons of unexpected foods that can boost your immune system, these are just eight to get you started. Continue adding to this list and keep your health in tip-top shape!
Special Thanks
Photo by Michele Blackwell on Unsplash
Leave a Reply