Immunity boosting foods our nutritionist recommends

by Elloww Team

Remember a time when you picked up ingredients based solely on how they tasted?

Now, in the midst of a global pandemic, it's no surprise if your online grocery shopping cart contains a lot of foods that claim to give your immune system an extra kick. 

However, it’s especially important to understand that no supplement, diet, or other lifestyle modification other than social distancing, and proper hygiene practices can protect you from COVID-19. But filling your diet with these nutritionist-approved immune-boosting foods is an excellent move for your overall health, regardless.


Our Top 8 Picks

1- Citrus Fruits

Since your body doesn’t produce or store Vitamin C, you’ll need to get it in a variety of ways. Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, and clementines are all excellent sources of cold and infection-fighting vitamin C.


2- Ginger

Gingerol is the active ingredient in ginger that’s been shown to help fight infections, including the RSV virus.  Along with the gingerol, there’s evidence that other compounds like shoagols and paradols contribute to the anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-oxidative benefits of this powerful root.


3- Blueberries

Berries are chock-full with goodness, so add them to porridge, smoothies or as your go-to snack every day if possible. They act as antioxidants against heart disease and cancers and are also packed full of vitamins and minerals - not to mention they're delicious too!


4- Green tea

Already revered in many Asian countries, green tea is full of antioxidants like EGCG that protect your cells from the effects of free radicals and can help reduce an overabundance of inflammation in your body and protects it against things such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.


5- Almonds

Full of healthy fats, as well as fibre, many nuts have great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Include almonds in things like porridge or smoothies, or simply as a snack, to help fight heart disease.


6- Sunflower seeds

Tiny as they may be, sunflower seeds pack a serious punch of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight off infection.

Adults should aim for 15 milligrams of vitamin E a day, but it only takes an ounce of these little guys to help you hit 49 percent of that.


7- Garlic

As long as you're not going on a date, you can't go wrong with garlic! Packed full of goodness like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, fiber and manganese, can help reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure. Sulphur compounds in garlic can stop cancer-causing substances from developing in your body and speed DNA repair. Garlic is great for any dish, from curry to bolognese, so don't be afraid to add it in.


8- Avocado

Avocado isn’t just a millennial fad! Healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals make this superfood ideal for helping reduce inflammation and prevent heart disease, cancers and diabetes. So go ahead, lather it on toast, blend it in a smoothie, enjoy it in your guacamole, or savor it the way it is. 


Pro tip: Reach for natural foods that have a combo of powerful antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein, and plant compounds to help keep the nasties at bay. 

 

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