Our immune systems are absolutely vital to ensure that the body remains fit and healthy. If you do not have a healthy immune system, you are more likely to fall ill with an infection, they are likely to last longer, and they are going to hit you harder too. That means it is important we all find ways to take better care of our immune system. There is a very simple way we can do this, and that is by eating a lot of the right kinds of foods. We all know that fruit and vegetables are good for us, but do we know why? Good food boosts the immune system and generally makes us fitter, stronger, and healthier. This is even more important as we age too. So, let’s look at some foods that have this beneficial effect:

Veggies

Almonds
Almonds are jam-packed with vitamin E, which is a very powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are essential for the immune system because they fight free radicals. Free radicals are extremely damaging to the body as they affect cells and can even be the primary cause of diseases such as cancer. That means that filling up on food that has a combative nature to these things is key, and almonds are one of those things. You can eat almonds as they are, or drink almond milk, or you can even make an almond cake.

Beef
Red meats such as beef are great at boosting the immune system. They have many vitamins such as zinc, Vitamin B6, and B12 which all work to protect the immune system. In addition, zinc has the added benefit of helping the body heal wounds, and it helps proteins which are essential in the building and repair of tissue fibers. There are many ways you can add beef to your diet, think steak and cottage pies. Also, you could even make baked meatballs with ground beef.

Broccoli
Broccoli is an iconic vegetable. It looks great with roast dinners, and kids like them because they look like little trees. However, they are also a great way to boost your immune system. They are abundant with an antioxidant called glutathione. This antioxidant has the effect of assisting the body build and repairing tissue fibers. Broccoli also has the essential vitamins A and C. Most people know that vitamin C is vital for the immune system. It can help the body prevent many illnesses from infecting you, plus it can act as a treatment when you are ill. Like vitamin E, vitamin A can also help the body destroy those nasty free radicals.

Yogurts
When it comes to yogurts, you need to fill up on the ones that say that they are live and active cultures inside, such as Greek yogurt. These cultures have the effect of protecting the immune system and even stimulating it to fight against the disease. It is also full of vitamin D, which is a vitamin that helps to regulate the immune system, and it also strengthens the body’s natural defense against disease.

This is a collaborative post.