Five Foods that Support Immune System Health

 

In today's COVID-19 world, supplements and foods that supposedly support, boost, enhance, strengthen or otherwise buff up your immune system are everywhere. Can you say "Once in a Lifetime Marketing Opportunity"? Do any of them actually do you any good?

Well, yes. And no.

The actual science suggests that the way to keep your immune system strong and functioning effectively is - get ready for this - eating a healthy, balanced diet, plenty of moderate exercise, getting a good night's sleep most nights and managing your stress level. This does not mean that certain foods can not help you get the job done. Just don't expect them or a supplement to make any real difference absent the lifestyle steps listed above.

Currently, no research supports the use of any supplement to strengthen the human immune system (systems, really), let alone to protect against COVID-19 specifically. But you can add any of the following foods to your diet to help make sure you are giving your immune functions all the ingredients that they need to do their job.

1. Garlic
     Garlic has been used in folk medicine for centuries for its mild
     anti-biotic properties. There is some evidence that it can modestly
     boost the number of virus-fighting T-cells in your blood and the
     sulfer in garlic can aid your ability to absorb zinc, long used as
     a cold preventative. Plus, it makes so many dishes taste better!

2. Onions
     Cousins of garlic, onions are loaded with key nutrients that your
     immune system requires like zinc, Vitamin C and selenium. They
     are also potent sources of flavenoid antioxidants. And like their
     cousin, tossing them into a recipe is nearly always tasty too.

3. Citrus Fruits
     Almost all citrus fruits are very high in vitamin C and with the wide
     variety there is to choose from it is easy to fit them into your
     diet. Beside Vitamin C they are also rich in other vitamins and
     minerals that your body needs to work properly, including B
     vitamins, potassium and magnesium.

4. Spinach
     Come on, put on your Big Boy Pants and revisit this nutritional
     powerhouse. I know you hated it as a kid, but that was then and
     this is now. Spinach packs a myriad of of antioxidants, beta-
     carotene, iron, folate, Vitamin K, magnesium and calcium. You
     can eat it raw or cooked and toss it into salads, egg dishes, soups
     and stews. Buy it frozen and already chopped - its just as good
     for you and super convenient.

5. Poultry
     Yes, poultry. I bet you didn't expect to find that on this list. It is
     high in protein and Vitamin B6, which is important for the
     creation of new red blood cells. Chicken soup has long been
     touted for colds and with good reason.

For a more extensive list of immune supporting foods, you can look here.