As health officials continue to stress the importance of washing your hands frequently, disinfecting home and work surfaces, and coughing into the crook of your elbow during the recent COVID-19 outbreak, your diet can also help keep you healthy.
Along with giving our bodies nutrition to function on a daily basis, certain foods can help boost your immune system.
Here are some of the best foods to eat that will give your immune system a boost, according to Healthline.com.
- Citrus fruits: Grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes and clementines are all high in vitamin C, which is thought to increase the production of white blood cells.
- Red bell peppers: Red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C than citrus and are also rich in beta carotene, which helps keep your eyes and skin healthy.
- Broccoli: Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables.
- Garlic: Garlic has been shown to help lower blood pressure and slow down the hardening of the arteries.
- Ginger: Ginger may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses. Ginger may also help decrease nausea.
- Spinach: Spinach is rich in vitamin C and also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene.
- Yogurt: Look for yogurts that have “live and active cultures” printed on the label, like Greek yogurt. These cultures may stimulate your immune system to help fight diseases.
- Almonds: Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with vitamin E and also have healthy fats.
- Turmeric: The bright-yellow, bitter spice has been used as an anti-inflammatory in treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Green tea: Both green and black teas have flavonoids, which is a top of antioxidant. Green tea is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine, an acid that aids in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells.