The stronger your body’s response is to infections from bacteria, viruses, and diseases, the healthier you will be
There are many ways to help boost your immune system. Of the many ways that you can use to create a stronger immune system, getting plenty of rest, exercising regularly, and reducing stress are proven methods.
However, you can also boost your immune system by eating properly. This means consuming foods that can help the immune system respond faster to infections, lower the risk of diseases which include cancer, and help you feel better overall.
What follows are ten fruits that can help boost your body’s ability to fight off disease, unwanted bacteria, and viruses.
10 Fruits That Help Boost Your Immune System
1. Grapefruit
A great addition to your breakfast, grapefruit provides plenty of antioxidants, nutrients, and fibre to help you feel full while also improving your digestive system. But what makes grapefruit so important to your immune system is the vitamins A and C that help fight off infections. Add to this the copper, iron, and magnesium that work together to bolster the communication between cells and you have one of the best fruits to stave off infections.
2. Guava
The high amount of vitamin C is just one of the many attributes that guava offers the body. One of the best is the antimicrobial properties that can directly destroy unwanted bacteria along with viruses that can otherwise lead to infection. It also helps that guava is loaded with fiber which helps the digestive system. Plus, being low in calories means that you can add more guava and its positive properties to your diet to enjoy.
3. Kiwi
For those who want to increase their immune system response, kiwi should be at or near the top of the list. Packed with plenty of essential vitamins and minerals, kiwi is one of the most nutritious fruits you can find. In fact, it is one of the densest in terms of the amount of positive nutrients which means that a little can go a long way.
You can find plenty of vitamins C and E which helps lower cholesterol levels, fight certain cancers, and boost energy level thanks to the presence of magnesium. It also helps that kiwi is delicious, making it an easy choice as part of your lunch or dinner.
4. Lemons
Lemons are a great source of vitamin C which can boost your immunity levels. But they also contain plenty of fiber as well. If you are looking to also lower the risk of heart disease, kidney stones, and anemia, then you should consider adding lemons to your diet.
In addition, if you need to lose some weight, adding lemons to your diet will help as well. Mix them with blueberries to tamp down the bitter taste and you have a great combination that will keep you healthy.
5. Limes
It seems when lemons are mentioned, limes are not far behind. They not only go well together, but limes also add plenty of antioxidants and vitamin C to your diet as well. Plus, limes also have calcium, thiamine, potassium, and iron that will not only boost your immune system but lower the risk of heart disease.
For teenagers and adults who suffer from acne, Keffer limes have an essential oil that can slow down their formation.
6. Mangos
Mangos are probably most noted as being the summer fruit of choice. It is delicious and found in many desserts. But it also has vitamins A, C, E, and K along with vitamin B5 that all help to bolster your immunity. Add to that magnesium and you have in mango a fruit that is perfect for keeping you healthy.
But it does more than just help fight off infections. Mango also contains plenty of antioxidants and polyphenols that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. This means that consuming mangos is not just for summer to stay healthy all year.
7. Oranges
This is perhaps the most obvious of the fruits on the list. The amount of vitamin C is enough to make it quite important in terms of fighting infections and keeping the body healthy. In addition, oranges contain plenty of folate, magnesium, and potassium which helps heal wounds and improve the health of gums.
The only downside is the amount of sugar present in oranges, so be sure to consume them in moderation to get the desired results.
8. Papaya
In addition to the vitamin C, papaya contains plenty of papain, a digestive enzyme that offers anti-inflammatory properties. This helps the body respond properly to an infection by lowering the inflammation that is an unwanted side effect.
Plus, you can find plenty of folate, potassium, and magnesium in papaya which helps with your immune system.
9. Strawberries
This delicious fruit is a popular choice in many desserts and for good reasons. But it also contains plenty of vitamins and antioxidants that make it perfect for keeping your immune system healthy and responsive.
Strawberries contain high amounts of zeathancins and lutein which are antioxidants known for reducing free radicals in the body. When combined with the ellagic acid that is also in strawberries, it can help control the growth of cancerous cells.
10. Watermelon
As the name suggests, watermelon provides the body with plenty of fluids as well as having a wonderful taste. But it also brings with it plenty of vitamins A, B6, and C which raises the function of the immune system. It also contains much-needed amino acids, antioxidants, and lycopene which has been linked to lowering the risk of prostate cancer along with boosting heart and bone health.
Be sure to consume watermelons that have fully ripened for maximum effect. You should try to eat watermelon regularly throughout the year if you have a family history of cancer.
Final Tips For Boosting Your Immune System
You should consider consuming one or more of these fruits in your daily diet. Adding grapefruit for breakfast, strawberries for dessert, or watermelon whenever you want can really go a long way towards helping your immune system function properly. Just remember to add important vegetables along with the fruits for the best combination that keeps you healthy.
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