Some common citrus fruits you can find in the grocery store are:
- grapefruit
- oranges
- tangerines
- lemons
- limes
- clementines
2. Turmeric Root
Turmeric is a popular spice that has been used for food and medicine for centuries in many different cultures around the world. Turmeric is responsible for giving many Indian curries their flavor and yellow color. This spice is a powerful anti inflammatory that can aid in decreasing arthritis. Turmeric has a high antioxidant content and can fight off signs of aging. Adding turmeric to your food or taking it in supplement form is a great way to boost your immune system. immune-booster1
3. Chopped Garlic
4. Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers contain almost double the amount of vitamin C that citrus fruits have. They also are packed full of beta carotene which acts as an antioxidant maintaining skin complexion and eye health. Vitamin C is also great for overall skin health and complexion too.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals making this vegetable a potent immune booster. The best form of broccoli is raw to keep all the nutrients from degrading. This powerhouse vegetable is also a great source of fiber for gut health.
6. Fresh Ginger
Gingers ability to boost the immune system is no secret. It can help decrease inflammation and reduce nausea. One of the main health boosting nutrients in ginger is called gingerol. Gingerol has a wide range of health benefits and is closely related to another superfood capsaicin. Ginger may aid in health cholesterol levels and decreased pain. immune-booster3
7. Green Tea
Green tea is one of the healthiest teas out there. It's loaded with one of the strongest flavonoid antioxidants called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These flavonoids have proven to boost immune system activity in the body. It's important to get green tea that hasn't been processed like black tea to keep the flavonoids in their full undegraded form.
The amino acid L-Theanine within green tea also improves the production of T-cell antibodies. L-Theanine is responsible for the calming effect that drinking green tea has on the brain, which is why the Chinese monks have used green tea for centuries to help meditate.
8. Spinach
Spinach is full of antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamin C. The compounds in spinach are great for the immune system. It's best to have spinach in it's raw form to keep the nutrients intact. Add this nutrient dense food to salads and smoothies.