The food you eat has a significant influence on the overall functioning of your immune system. Considering the times in which we currently live, it has never been more important to boost your immunity and stay well! The easiest way to do that is by adding a variety of vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables to your meal plan. Here is a list of the most essential ones to include in your grocery list going forward.
Bell peppers
You have probably been filling up on plenty of oranges and orange juice ever since news of the Coronavirus pandemic hit. But did you know that bell peppers actually contain significantly more Vitamin C than their citrus counterparts? It’s true! It’s estimated that an orange contains around 70mg of Vitamin C, while a bell pepper of a similar size packs more than double that amount.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is chockfull of beta carotene, which works in conjunction with Vitamin A and plays a role in encouraging the production of white blood cells, the body’s natural defense against viruses and bacteria. A single sweet potato contains more than the average person’s recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. The great news is that these healthy, starchy vegetables are relatively easy to find. You should be able to get them regardless of whether you opt for online grocery delivery or visit the store in person.
Blueberries
As you probably already know, berries of all kinds contain lots of antioxidants which are excellent for ensuring general health and well-being, as well as boosting the immune system. Blueberries, in particular, have been shown to reduce a person’s risk of falling victim to the common cold by up to 33%.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are hailed for containing high levels of Vitamin C. Nutritionists claim that a small tomato generally provides the body with close to 20mg of this disease-fighting vitamin. So, there has never been a better time to start loading up on delicious, crispy salads. Sprinkle some sunflower seeds on top for a delectable crunch and a good dose of fat-soluble Vitamin E, which also plays a key role in maintaining immunity.
Broccoli
Broccoli is celebrated for its high calcium content. However, new studies have found that broccoli, along with most other cruciferous veggies, can aid in warding off illness, too. These studies have identified the sulforaphane chemical found in broccoli to be a powerful tool when it comes to supporting the immune system. This is because sulforaphane is thought to activate antioxidant enzymes within immune cells.
Pomegranate
The mouth-watering pomegranate boasts strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a go-to solution for weakened immune defense. However, considering how little juice there is in each individual fruit, it is recommended that those looking to benefit from its power should seek out pomegranate juice instead. You can add it to smoothies, pour little bits into your water or your tea, or even mix it with other healthy juices and freeze into popsicles.
Maximizing health and immunity just got a lot tastier!
