Immune Boosting Foods

We all know it’s important to eat our greens, but a mix of different fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, can be just as beneficial.

A nutrient-dense diet can help your body fight infection and stave off disease. Most essential nutrients support your immune system, so being short on any one of them is bad d news for your health. For some, that’ s a good reason to take a supplement, but the best way to increase your immunity is through a healthy diet.

A study by the British Geriatrics Society looked at white blood cell count in relation to antioxidant intake, and concluded that “dietary y antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, can improve aspects of cellmediated immune function”. Their study on elderly patients demonstrated that these vitamins boosted immunity. To top up your own levels of these important nutrients, choose colourful fruits and vegetables – they’re great sources of vitamins A and C. Enjoy nuts, seeds and leafy greens for their vitamin E content.

Healthy foods to boost your immune system include bright fruits, colourful vegetables, and dark leafy greens, like broccoli or spinach. Add garlic to your meal – it’s thought to improve both your cardiovascular health and your immunity.

Aim for at least seven portions of fruit and veg a day to help you fight off potential invaders. Include fresh produce in every meal. You’ll probably lose excess weight too!

Eat salad and raw vegetables f requently, because cooking food destroys d some of the nutrients. Also, make m sure you have a source of omega o 3 in your diet, as this is im mportant for optimal immunity. You’ll Y find omega 3 in walnuts, soya, s oily fish, hemp oil and ground g flaxseed.