11 Foods to Improve Immunity Against Cold and Flu

Several aspects play a role in maintaining and improving health conditions, like the common cold and influenza (flu). While an individual might require prescriptions from a doctor, they may also need to follow a healthy meal plan. Eating specific food can help the body receive the right nutrition, strengthening the immune system. So if one is affected by health conditions like a cold or flu, eating these foods could help them manage and improve symptoms.
Lemons
Citric fruits like lemons are one of the best immune-boosting options to include in meal plans. The food is rich in bioflavonoids, which are antioxidants that help protect the health of cells. Lemons also contain healthy amounts of vitamin C, which bestows multiple health benefits on the body, including supporting the immune system. Since the human body does not make this vitamin, healthcare experts recommend sourcing it from food like lemons to improve one’s health. One of the best ways to enjoy the benefit of the fruit is by sipping on lemon water throughout the day. One could also squeeze lemon juice on vegetables and salad dressings to receive its nourishment.
Garlic
One could eat garlic raw or add it to foods in a chopped or powdered form. But no matter how it is eaten, the herb has been used traditionally as a remedy for several ailments and to boost the immune system. Apart from its vitamin and mineral content, garlic is rich in allicin, a compound whose antioxidative effects fight bacteria and viruses. Therefore, adding garlic to meals could help prevent or fight the effects of cold and flu.
Mushrooms
There are a ton of ways that one could enjoy eating mushrooms while benefiting from their immune-boosting properties. One could grill portobello mushroom caps like steaks, add them to casseroles, or roast them as a side dish. The food is abundant in selenium, a mineral that helps protect the body from infections such as colds and flu. Mushrooms are also rich in vitamins B and D and zinc, which are also helpful in improving overall health.
Avocado
Half an avocado can help enrich the body with a high dose of vitamin B6. These nutrients help protect the body against oxidative damage and reduce inflammation, which is necessary for strong immunity. Other beneficial properties present in avocados include vitamins C, E, magnesium, folates, and potassium.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a yummy immune-boosting food that is high in nutrients. The vegetable has a good concentration of vitamin A, which helps the body protect healthy cells and fight off foreign invaders. Even a single potato is sufficient to meet the daily recommendation of vitamin A content. One could easily mash and roast sweet potatoes before enjoying the food. Turning them into oven-baked fries, a creamy soup, or hash browns will help enrich the body with the necessary nutrients.
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the healthiest immune-boosting foods to add to meal plans. The berry is rich in flavonoids, which are types of antioxidants that may help reduce damage to cells and boost the immune system. Blueberries are also rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, fibers, and manganese, all of which contribute to improving the immune system. One could enjoy a simple serving of blueberries or blend them with other immune system-friendly foods to create a smoothie. An individual could also add other berries to their meal plans, such as blackberries and strawberries, to improve immunity against colds and flu.
Apples
Apples contain a significant amount of vitamins C that an individual requires daily. Moreover, the fruit contains pectin, a soluble fiber that helps protect the body against germs that attack the immune system. One could eat apples plain or blend them with other immune-boosting fruits to create a smoothie.
Oranges
Since oranges are rich in vitamin C, it is a good food option to help boost the immune system. Receiving a healthy dose of this vitamin from the fruit may help increase white blood cell count, which is essential for better immunity. One could also include other fruits like clementines, grapefruit, and tangerines that have similar health benefits as oranges.
Almonds
Almonds are a source of healthy nuts to add to one’s meal regime. The food is abundant in vitamin E, which contributes to fortifying one’s immune system. Almonds are also high in zinc content, which is a mineral now associated with fewer colds and improved recovery from such complications. One should keep a bag of almonds handy so that they can munch on a handful throughout the day or toss them into homemade granola mixes or salads. Other benefits of almonds include their protein, healthy fat, and fiber composition.
Green tea
Green tea is known to strengthen the immune system because it protects the body against radicals and oxidants. The herbal beverage is rich in an antioxidant called epigallocatechin (EGCC), which has properties that protect healthy cells from damage. The drink increases the number of “regulatory T cells,” which has the therapeutic capability of influencing better immune function and reducing health conditions like cold and flu. The catechin content in green tea is also associated with helping maintain healthy body mass and regulating blood sugar levels. One can drink a hot cup of green tea with honey or blend the herbal tea with fruits and vegetable smoothies to enjoy its health benefits.
Broccoli
There are many health benefits linked to eating broccoli, including managing immune function. The cruciferous vegetable is abundant in vitamins A, C, and E and also contains antioxidants and fibers. Broccoli also contains iron, which helps keep oxygen flow stable across the red blood cells. These nutrients also give the immune system the required strength to fight off a cold and flu. Other cruciferous vegetables that are also essential to build immune strength are bok choy, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. One could cook these foods for each meal or turn them into a delicious green smoothie.