With the spread of COVID-19, the whole world is fighting together. The best way to fight this pandemic is to take precautions and most importantly build strong immunity. Hi readers and welcome back to Heathy Mind - Think Big!
Your immune system is an intricate network that combats invaders like bacteria and viruses. You can strengthen it to fight off diseases. Keep your body's soldiers fit and ready by eating foods that will give your immune system a boost. In today’s post, we will tell you the best foods to boost your immune system and keep you protected during these COVID times. From tomatoes, green tea, oysters, spinach to kiwi and more, read till the end to learn about all of them.
#01 TURMERIC:
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This spice is more than just a delicious kick to your next dinner. It contains a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. This same compound is what lends turmeric it's signature vibrant orange-yellow color. According to a study, curcumin activates the production of T-cells, which are the main cells fighting for your health in your immune system. Do you incorporate turmeric into your diet? Do you add it to your salad, tea, milk, or prefer any other way? Tell us down below in the comments section!
#02 TOMATOES:
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Tomatoes are a great food to eat when you're sick due to their high concentration of vitamin C. A medium tomato contains more than 16 milligrams of vitamin C, which is fuel to your body's immune system. In a study, vitamin C was shown to be a vital part of the body's t-cells. A major component of the immune system. The researchers also noted that a deficiency in this nutrient can lead to a weaker immune system and lower resistance to certain pathogens that can lead to illness.
#03 WILD SALMON:
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Wild salmon is filled with zinc, a nutrient that has been proven to reduce common cold symptoms. A study examined the effects of zinc on the common cold in children ages one to 10. Researchers found that zinc, in comparison to a placebo, significantly reduced the severity and duration of symptoms when taken within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms.
#04 PAPAYA:
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Papaya delivers over twice your recommended daily amount of vitamin C in one fruit. Though you're likely to eat a few slices on a salad or in a smoothie. It also contains an enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects. And inflammation is one factor in illnesses, so avoiding it can help your body fight off bacterial infections like sinusitis. It also contains potassium, vitamin B, and folate, which is a powerful cell rebuilder. People who are folate-deficient have compromised immune systems. Folate or vitamin B9 is a great vitamin to keep your cells healthy and strong. The recommendation is 400 micrograms a day, or get it from legumes, spinach, papayas, and avocados.
#05 GREEN TEA:
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Green tea is not only one of our recommended best teas for weight loss, but it's also one of the best sources for strengthening the immune system. It contains flavonoids, an antioxidant that boosts immunity, plus it has anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study, the antioxidant catechin, which is heavily prevalent in green tea, is known to be a powerful antibacterial and antiviral. It has been shown to kill off bacteria and influenza virus.
#06 MUSHROOMS:
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Mushrooms are great for boosting your immunity, according to a study. Research suggests that participants who ate shiitake mushrooms every day for four weeks had a significant increase in numbers and strength of immunity-boosting T-cells. They also noticed a reduction in inflammatory-inducing proteins, proving that shiitake mushrooms also act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
#07 OYSTERS:
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Oysters are a nutritional powerhouse from the sea. One 3 ounce serving of Pacific oysters provides 190 percent of the daily value of selenium, 45 percent of iron, and 20 percent of vitamin C. And all for just 140 calories. It also contains 16 grams of high quality protein. The seafood also provides zinc and vitamin A. All these vitamins and minerals are critical for proper immune function.
#08 LOW FAT YOGURT:
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Nutrition guidelines recommend adults eat 3 servings of dairy products per day. Low fat yogurt provides 11 grams of protein, 250 calories, and almost 400 milligrams of calcium per 8 ounce serving. It can also help meet your daily requirement for vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin B2. Adequate levels of vitamin D is necessary for robust immune function. Yogurt is rich in certain probiotics that boost immune function and may even help reduce both the length and severity of colds. Beneficial gut flora are needed for proper digestion, detoxification, and stronger immunity. Probiotics can even help reduce eczema symptoms in babies.
#09 SPINACH:
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Spinach gets top billing as a superfood thanks to its high content of folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, magnesium, and iron. The nutrients in it boost immune function and provide your body with necessary nutrients for cell division and DNA repair. You can reap maximum benefits from spinach by eating it raw or lightly cooked to preserve nutrients.
#10 SWEET POTATOES:
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Sweet potatoes are top sources of beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This nutrient aids your immune system by helping to produce white blood cells, which fight off bacteria and viruses. It also helps form the mucous membranes that line the respiratory tract, which acts as a protective barrier to keep germs out of your body. A baked sweet potato packs over 150 percent of the daily vitamin A goal. You can top a baked sweet potato with nuts or seeds for a healthy snack.
#11 GARLIC:
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Research lends credibility to garlic’s immune supporting capabilities. In one study, volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a garlic supplement daily for 12 weeks throughout the cold season. The garlic group experienced significantly fewer colds compared to the placebo group, and they recovered faster if they did get infected. Further research has confirmed that aged garlic extract may enhance immune cell function. Reach for fresh garlic cloves rather than a supplement. Add it to cooked veggies, soup, or broth. The benefits of Garlic are not just restricted to increasing immunity. There are plenty other reasons why it’s good for your body and why you should make it a part of your daily diet.
#12 ALMONDS:
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#13 KIWI:
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Kiwi contains vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate in abundance. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and prevent cell damage. It also helps in boosting the production of white blood cells that fight infections. You can eat kiwi on a daily basis. The fruit contains tiny seeds that are edible and full of nutrients as well. You can simply eat it alone, put it in fruit salad, or make a smoothie out of it – the options are endless.
#14 SUNFLOWER SEEDS:
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Sunflower seeds are packed with nutrients and minerals, including vitamin E, vitamin B-6, magnesium, and phosphorus. Vitamin E is considered a potent antioxidant that is beneficial for the immune system’s health. The best part is that it also enhances the flavor of the food you are preparing, due to its spicy punch. You can add sunflower seeds to your salads, soups and seasoning of certain foods like chicken, for sautéing.
#15 CITRUS FRUITS:
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Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruit, and tangerines, among others, are packed with vitamin C that helps in boosting the production of white blood cells in the body. White blood cells are essential in fighting diseases and infections. It also helps in removing free radicals from the body, preventing cell damage, which ultimately reduces your chances of cancer.
#16 POULTRY:
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When you’re sick and you reach for chicken soup, it’s more than just the placebo effect that makes you feel better. The soup may help lower inflammation, which could improve symptoms of a cold. Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is high in vitamin B-6. About 3 ounces of light turkey or chicken meat contains nearly one-third of your daily recommended amount of B-6. Vitamin B-6 is an important player in many of the chemical reactions that happen in the body. It’s also vital to the formation of new and healthy red blood cells. Stock or broth made by boiling chicken bones contains gelatin, and other nutrients helpful for gut healing and immunity.
While eating the right stuff can definitely boost your immunity, you don’t have to rely just on foods for a stronger immune system. There are many other ways to increase your body’s capacity for fighting diseases. These post will surely help you improve your immunity and stay safe during COVID times.
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