Boost your immunity naturally with these 8 foods in your daily diet
What to eat: Incorporating these foods into your diet can help strengthen your immune system and improve your overall health. Aim for a variety of these foods to ensure you get a broad spectrum of nutrients and benefits.
A strong immune system is essential for maintaining good health and fighting off illnesses. While various factors contribute to immune function, a balanced diet rich in certain foods can play a pivotal role in enhancing immunity naturally. Incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods ensures that your body receives the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed to maintain optimal immune function. These foods not only help in preventing illnesses but also support overall well-being. Here are eight foods known for their immune-boosting properties, each bringing unique benefits to the table (Image: Canva)
Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits are high in vitamin C, which increases the production of white blood cells, crucial for fighting infections, says Delhi-based dietician Priyanka Kar (Image: Canva)
Red bell peppers: Contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruits. They are also a rich source of beta-carotene, which helps maintain healthy skin and eyes, says Kar (Image: Canva)
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Broccoli: Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate, provided it’s cooked minimally (Image: Canva)
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Garlic: Contains compounds like allicin that enhance the immune system. It is also known for its ability to fight infections and reduce inflammation (Image: Canva)
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Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help decrease inflammation, which can reduce sore throats and inflammatory illnesses (Image: Canva)
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Yoghurt: Contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can boost your immune system by promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria, says Kar. Choose yogurts that have "live and active cultures." (Image: Canva)
Almonds: Rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. A small handful or a quarter cup of almonds provides nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E (Image: Canva)
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Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help modulate the immune system and has been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial effects
