5 Kitchen Secrets to Boost Your Immune System

We’re still in the height of summer… so you might not be thinking about ways to avoid colds, flu, and other sicknesses typically associated with winter.

But bolstering your immune system never goes out of season.

Fortunately, by including certain key foods in your everyday diet, you can benefit from a stronger immune system no matter what time of year it is.

Following are 5 immune-boosting foods that pack a huge health punch.

#1: Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a go-to immune booster—and for good reason. This vital vitamin boosts your body’s production of white blood cells, which you need for fighting infections.

The problem is that you don’t produce OR store vitamin C.

And since your body uses up vitamin C when it needs it, it can easily be depleted just when you need it the most.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep replenishing your levels with vitamin-C-rich foods like citrus, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach.

#2: Garlic

Garlic is recognized for its pungent flavor and odor, but not many people recognize its powerful immune-boosting effects.

In reality, the same compounds responsible for its strong flavor—sulfur-containing nutrients like allicin—are also responsible for its ability to enhance your immune system.

Garlic has been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties.

And studies have shown that garlic can not only prevent you from getting sick, but can reduce the duration and severity if you do fall ill.

#3 Ginger

Ginger is a great addition to your arsenal, especially if you’re already sick.

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with sore throats, stomach issues, and other ailments.

It’s been shown to help fight infection, boost metabolism, aid digestion, and much more.

#4: Green tea

Green tea is loaded with a special type of antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) that has been proven to enhance your immune system.

EGCG increases the production of T cells, which are a part of your immune system that help protect the body from infections and cancer.

Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been shown to help the body produce more T cells.

#5: Yogurt

Yogurt improves your immune system by boosting your microbiome.

This is critical since about 75 percent of your immune system is located in your gut!

Some yogurts are also fortified with vitamin D, which is critical for immune health.

P.S. Let’s face it, summer colds happen to the best of us. When you get hit with a warm weather case of the sniffles THIS magical mineral could help knock out a cold before it has a chance to really take hold.

SOURCE:

“15 Foods that Boost the Immune System.” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-boost-the-immune-system