Five expert-approved foods to stock up on to help boost your immune system.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) broccoli is rich in vitamin C. “Broccoli is packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants that support our immune system,” says Dr. Seema Sarin, an internal medicine physician at EHE Health, quoted from CNBC Make It. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help fight off bacteria and viruses.
Chickpeas contain a lot of protein, an essential nutrient made of amino acids that help grow and repair the body’s tissues. It’s also involved in synthesizing and maintaining enzymes to keep our systems functioning properly, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Half a cup of strawberries contains 50% of your vitamin C needs for the day. “Vitamin C is great for strengthening your immune system,” Wunder says because it can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals that we’re often exposed to in the environment.
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“Not only is garlic full of flavor, but it’s packed with health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease,” according to Sarin. “Garlic’s immunity-boosting abilities come from its heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, which can help fight off some infections.”
“Spinach is rich in vitamin C and full of antioxidants that help shield our immune cells from environmental damage,” says Sarin. “Plus, it has beta carotene, which is the main dietary source of vitamin A — an essential component of proper immune function.”