The immune system is one of, if not the most important part of maintaining health. It is essentially the command center of the body to help fight off sickness and other invaders. Depending on the person, each individual immune system is different. Some may think that the key to a stronger immune system is daily supplements, but certain foods can be more than enough! Here are a few healthy immune system boosting foods to consider:
Citrus
Among the most common foods/drinks to have while sick or to prevent sickness is citrus. Citrus fruits are very high in Vitamin C levels which in turn can help with white blood cell production. Taking Vitamin C while sick with the common cold can even help speed recovery. Some popular fruits include oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and tangerines.
Red Bell Peppers
A lesser known option, red bell peppers can improve the immune system more than one may think. These peppers are so high in Vitamin C that they have around three times the amount than oranges ounce for ounce. They also contain beta carotene which the body can convert into Vitamin A.
Broccoli
This popular vegetable is rich in both vitamins and minerals. Healthy components contained in broccoli are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and other antioxidants. Research has shown that broccoli is more nutritious when raw rather than cooked as nutrition can be cooked out. If one prefers to keep broccoli hot, steaming is the best way to go as this keeps more nutrients in.
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.