If the winter blahs have you feeling under the weather, or you’re worried about contracting a cold, you have a few tools at your disposal. First of all, remember to wash your hands regularly, because most cold germs are transmitted by contact with infected items which have been touched by sick people. The other thing you can do is eat foods high in vitamin C and other nutrients which are known to boost your immune system.
These ten superfoods are known as some of the best immune-supporting foods.
Kiwi and mango – we tend to overdose on the orange juice when we’re aiming for an adequate vitamin C intake, and we become bored with the same old thing day after day. Shake up your diet with kiwi and mango. You can juice them or simply eat the fruit straight out of the peel.
Pineapple – this is another great fruit for fighting illness. It contains bromelain, an anti-inflammory agent which naturally occurs in some foods.
Kale – aside from high levels of vitamin C, kale also contains vitamins A and K, along with important fatty acids and healthy minerals.
Strawberries – Strawberries are another vitamin C-rich fruit, and they also contain heart-healthy folate.
Broccoli – aside from boosting your immune system against the common cold and other minor illnesses, broccoli is one of the best foods for fighting cancer.
Papaya – this fruit is packed with vitamin C, but it’s also known to help clear your sinuses. If you’re already feeling sniffly, pick up some papaya on your next trip to the grocery store.
Cauliflower – Fruits aren’t the only foods that contain vitamin C. Remember to toss these veggies into your salad, because they’re full of vitamin C.
Bell peppers – both red and green bell peppers contain vitamins C and A.
Chili peppers – aside from containing vitamin C, these spicy peppers contain capsaicin. This powerful compound has been found to relieve joint and muscle pain.
It’s a great idea to boost your immune system with high vitamin C levels in the winter, but keep in mind that you should be eating plenty of fruits and veggies during the rest of the year, too. Eating a balanced diet is the best way to maintain a healthy weight and prevent common serious illnesses like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
