These 8 foods will boost your immune system and overall health
Eating the right foods not only helps improve your mood, but it can also aid in boosting your immune system. A strong immune function fights off infection and health problems that can escalate with stress.
Dr. Taz Bhatia, an immune support and wellness physician, says a healthy immune system begins in our gut. “The gut actually is 75% of your immune system.” The majority of the immune fighting antibodies we need are made in the gut, so what we eat definitely matters. It’s important to note that no research has been done on foods that help fight against COVID-19 specifically, but these eight expert-approved foods can improve your overall health.
1. Fatty fishes
Fatty fishes like salmon, tuna and mackerel are high in Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which help control inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can weaken and disrupt the function of our immune systems.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties. “It brings inflammation down, even inflammation when it pertains to your brain,” explains Bhatia. You can add turmeric as a spice to your food or take it as a tea. Bhatia suggests adding a little honey to your turmeric tea for a “tasty, healthy anti-inflammatory drink.”
3. Kale
Kale boosts our immune system because it has two critical ingredients: fiber and antioxidants, specifically vitamin C. Vitamin C helps “fight off things like the cold and even the flu.” says Bhatia.
4. Guava
“Guava is that surprise fruit that you never think about,” says Bhatia. Guava has one of the highest vitamin C concentrations of most citrus fruits. Yes, even oranges. Vitamin C can help fight common bacterial and fungal infections.
5. Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers have a ton of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. Bhatia suggests adding them raw to a salad or roasting them. “They’re going to help keep your immune system primed by providing the oxygen your cells need to fight off viruses and bacteria,” she explains.
6. Green chilies
Green chilies are also chock-full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals (compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high) in our bodies. “Eating them raw is the trick here,” says Bhatia. “It helps not only improve your metabolism and kind of get everything humming and active again, but also provides a nice antioxidant burst.”
7. Tomatoes
“Tomatoes have many uses but their magic ingredient is something called lycopene,” says Bhatia. Lycopene is a natural pigment that gives some vegetables and fruits its red color. “Lycopene plays a role in something called cytokine storm, which is when your immune system goes haywire and needs to be shut down,” she explains.
8. Oranges
Oranges absolutely make the list because they’re rich in vitamin C, which may increase the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections. “It actually doesn't have as much sugar as many people think,” Bhatia says. “So go ahead and have at least an orange a day.”
For the latest coronavirus news and updates, follow along at https://news.yahoo.com/coronavirus. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDC’s and WHO’s resource guides.
How to maintain your physical and mental health during the pandemic
Taking care of a loved one with COVID-19? Here’s how to stay healthy
Q&A with Dr. Kavita Patel: How to keep your family safe and maintain your mental health
Read more from Yahoo Life:
Want daily lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Life’s newsletter.
