Did you know that feeding your body with certain foods can help boost your immune system? And to make it even better, these immune-boosting foods are not exotic, meaning you don’t have to travel through snow, ice and ivory castles to get to them. They are everyday foods that you can easily find at your local grocery store; and might I add, not that hard on the pocket. The nice folks at Fitness First have partnered with Pura to bring us the best everyday immune-boosting foods to keep our bodies well protected.

Immune-Boosting Foods

Cranberries

Cranberry juice (my favorite) is not only a delicious drink, but it’s also a great source of potent antioxidants such as flavonoids and Vitamin C. Flavonoids are “nature’s biological response modifiers” because of their anti-allergic, antiviral, and anticancer properties.

Mushrooms

These fall under the immune boosting foods category because the dietary nucleotides found in mushrooms, as well as meat and fish, are building blocks for DNA and RNA synthesis now known to support the production and function of immune cells.

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Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds are a close relative of green veggies like broccoli. Due to their high magnesium content, they promote new cell growth, boost immunity, nourish your skin, raise red blood cell production and support healthy vision.

Pecans

Pecans are a rich source of manganese which is a powerful antioxidant. This trace mineral help boost your immunity and protects nerve cells from free-radical damage. Manganese consumption is vital for a healthy nervous system and brain function.

Chili

Chilies, which I’ve always loved, are rich in beta-carotene, which convert to Vitamin A in your blood system. Consuming foods that are high in Vitamin A protects cells from damage and create antioxidants.

Artichokes

Rich in Vitamin C, Potassium, Folic Acid and Magnesium, artichokes are great immune boosting foods to defend the body against cancer, aging, heart disease and illness. And so you know, that artichoke pizza is not enough (but it’s a good start).

Pomegranate

Fresh or dried, pomegranate seeds are a superfood with a multitude of health benefits. Seeds from a pomegranate account for nearly 40 percent of your daily Vitamin C intake. I’m not sure if the pomegranate juice counts though.

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Yogurt

Probiotics found in yogurt are healthy bacteria that keep your intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs. Traditional fermented foods like yogurt have been used for centuries to help maintain balanced gut flora and support immune cells located there.

Garlic

Now, this list of immune-boosting foods wouldn’t be complete without garlic, would it? This vegetable (or spice depending on how you look at it) has been used for centuries as a natural antimicrobial to fight infections. Just remember to cook it lightly to retain the active ingredient allicin.

About the Author

Esther Lackie is in love with all forms of beauty and then some, and likes mixing things up a bit because normal is boring. And when she’s not writing or editing content for Finding Beauty ME, she’s most likely looking for a new skin treatment to try or chilling with a glass of white. Instagram | Facebook