Foods to help boost immune system

As health officials continue to stress the importance of washing your hands frequently, disinfecting home and work surfaces, and coughing into the crook of your elbow during the recent COVID-19 outbreak, your diet can also help keep you healthy.Along with giving our bodies nutrition to function on a daily basis, certain foods can help boost your immune system.Here are some of the best foods to eat that will give your immune system a boost.

Grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes and clementines are all high in vitamin C, which is thought to increase the production of white blood cells.Red bell peppers: Red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C than citrus and are also rich in beta carotene, which helps keep your eyes and skin healthy.Broccoli: Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables.Garlic: Garlic has been shown to help lower blood pressure and slow down the hardening of the arteries.Ginger: Ginger may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses. Ginger may also help decrease nausea.Spinach: Spinach is rich in vitamin C and also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene.Yogurt: Look for yogurts that have “live and active cultures” printed on the label, like Greek yogurt. These cultures may stimulate your immune system to help fight diseases.Almonds: Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with vitamin E and also have healthy fats.Turmeric: The bright-yellow, bitter spice has been used as an anti-inflammatory in treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Green tea: Both green and black teas have flavonoids, which is a type of antioxidant. Green tea is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine, an acid that aids in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells.