This pandemic hit people pretty hard. With nearly six million cases and over 180,000 fatalities in the US alone, it’s important to stay healthy, even at home. One of the best ways to remain healthy during quarantine is to eat immune-boosting foods. Here’s a list of the best foods for a healthy immune system.
1) Bell Peppers
Those colorful peppers commonly found in salads and fajitas are rich with vitamin C. Their antioxidant content also increases phagocytes and lymphocytes, which are immune cells that improve blood health and consume harmful bacteria.
Keep in mind that the longer bell peppers heat, the more vitamin C they lose, so eat them raw to receive their full benefits. Eating a cup of chopped red bell peppers provides twice your daily vitamin intake.
2) Elderberry
Commonly consumed as a syrup or herbal tea, elderberry fruit is a well-known immunity booster. They’re great for treating respiratory infection symptoms because of their high antioxidant content. Studies show that drinking 60ml of elderberry syrup everyday shortened the length of a cold by up to four days.
3) Ginger
Ginger is one of the most talked-about herbs, and for a good reason. Ginger is excellent for immunity based on its anti-inflammatory properties and its high antioxidant content. It’s often consumed as an herbal tea. Simply boil some water, steep the ginger, and add honey for an immunity boost. It’s great to take this mixture both during and before a cold comes on.
4) Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the tastiest ways to improve immune health. Watermelons contain potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and glutathione, which is known for protecting immune cell health. Boosting immune health is as easy as eating two cups of watermelon a day.
You can enjoy watermelon in many ways: in a fruit salad, as ice pops, and even juiced. Be sure to eat the pulp closest to the rind for increased glutathione benefits.
Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential, especially during this pandemic. When paired with healthy habits like getting the right amount of sleep, drinking plenty of water, and light exercise, it’s easy to keep the immune system functioning at an optimal level.