Papaya
Did you know that the papaya is loaded with vitamin C? A single papaya serves up over 200 % of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Plus, papayas contain potassium, B vitamins, and folate, which help keep your body healthy and strong. And if that isn’t enough, the papaya has papain, a digestive enzyme with anti-inflammatory effects.
Kiwi
Kiwis aren’t just tasty. They are full of essential nutrients that can boost your immune system. The kiwi has vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and potassium which all help to keep your body strong to battle a virus or bacterial infection. Vitamin C aids in boosting white blood cells to fight infections.
Poultry
How often have you been told to have some chicken soup when you are sick? Well, it isn’t just an old wive’s tale! Research has found that chicken soup can improve symptoms of a cold, and it can help keep you from getting sick. Chicken, turkey, and other poultry are excellent sources of vitamin B-6. It is why turkey and chicken are so good for you: They’re both high in vitamin B-6, which helps your body make a protein called interleukin-2, which helps white blood cells do what they need to do. This protein helps white blood cells do what they need to do. It’s also vital to forming new and healthy red blood cells.
Sunflower Seeds
Get out those sunflower seeds! These tiny seeds are full of nutrients, including phosphorous, magnesium, and vitamin B-6. They’re also incredibly high in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. The benefits of vitamin E include regulating and maintaining and making sure the immune system functions properly. Adding sunflowers to a dark leafy green salad will boost your vitamin E consumption.
Shellfish
So many people are surprised when they find out that shellfish doesn’t just taste great, but it’s also a great way to boost your immune system. Some shellfish are packed with it if you are trying to add more zinc to your diet. Zinc is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It is required for the catalytic activity of approximately 100 enzymes. It plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division.
Varieties of shellfish that are high in zinc include:
- Crab
- Clams
- Lobster
- Mussels
Be careful with zinc, though, because too much zinc can inhibit immune system function.
