Foods for a Healthy Immune System

Including nutritious foods in your diet is important for your immunity and preventing you from getting sick. Including these foods in your diet can help to boost immunity:

Protein: Protein plays an important role in healing and recovery. Foods high in protein include seafood, lean meat, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds.

Vitamin A: This vitamin protects the immune system and fights against infection by keeping body tissues healthy. It is common in sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and spinach.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C stimulates antibodies and can increase immunity, protecting against infection. Some ways to include more vitamin C in your diet include eating citrus fruits, strawberries, red bell peppers, and tomato juice.

Vitamin E: This vitamin works as an antioxidant, which means it neutralizes free radicals, improving immune function. Foods that contain high amounts of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, and fortified cereals.

Zinc: This mineral helps the immune system function properly and can assist in wound healing. Zinc is commonly found in poultry, seafood, milk, beans, and whole grain products.

Consuming these nutrients along with an overall healthy diet can increase your immunity, protecting you from seasonal illnesses this winter. Consuming these nutrients from foods is always best, but talk to a health care provider or registered dietitian if you feel you need to include an immune-boosting supplement.

For more information, visit: https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/preventing-illness/protect-your-health-with-immune-boosting-nutrition