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What foods supercharge your immune system?

Certain foods may be helpful for boosting the immune system and preventing colds and the flu. ... Vitamin C Citrus fruits and juices (such as orange and grapefruit) Kiwi fruit. Red and green peppers. Broccoli. Strawberries.

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Certain foods may be helpful for boosting the immune system and preventing colds and the flu. Here's a look at five types of nutrients that your immune system needs to perform and which foods to find them in.

Vitamin C

An essential nutrient, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant. There's some evidence that vitamin C may be particularly helpful in boosting the immune systems of people under major stress. To increase your vitamin C intake, add these foods to your diet:

Citrus fruits and juices (such as orange and grapefruit)

Kiwi fruit

Red and green peppers

Broccoli

Strawberries

Vitamin E

Like vitamin C, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. Research suggests maintaining ample levels of vitamin E is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, especially among older people. To get your fill of vitamin E, look to these foods:

Wheat germ oil

Almonds

Sunflower seeds

Hazelnuts

Peanut butter

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral involved in the production of certain immune cells. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) caution that even mildly low levels of zinc may impair your immune function. Here are some top food sources of zinc:

Oysters

Baked beans

Cashews

Raisin bran

Chickpeas

Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz

Carotenoids

Another type of antioxidant, carotenoids are a class of pigments found naturally in a number of plants. When consumed, carotenoids are converted into vitamin A (a nutrient that helps regulate the immune system). Carotenoids are better absorbed when cooked or eaten with fat.

Look to these foods to boost your carotenoids:

Carrots

Kale

Apricots

Papaya

Mango

Sweet potato

Spinach

Collard greens

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of essential fatty acid known to suppress inflammation and keep the immune system in check. Although it's not known whether omega-3s can help fight off infections (such as the common cold), research suggests that omega-3s can protect against autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Try these omega-3-rich foods:

Oily fish (including mackerel, tuna, salmon, sardines, herring, and trout)

Flaxseed

Walnuts

Chia seeds

Taking Supplements to Boost Your Immune System

Although supplements containing high doses of antioxidants and other nutrients found in whole foods are often touted as natural immune-boosters, some research indicates that taking dietary supplements may have limited benefits for the immune system. Additionally, these nutrients are better obtained from foods than supplements. If you're still considering taking them, it's a good idea to consult your healthcare provider first to weigh the pros and cons.

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Is bottled ginger as good as fresh?

Q: True or false – In order to reap the health benefits of ginger, you must use fresh gingerroot. A: False. Ginger's nutrient profile does undergo some changes during the drying and bottling process, but it still offers up plenty of health benefits and is definitely worth adding to your diet – in any form.

Q: True or false – In order to reap the health benefits of ginger, you must use fresh gingerroot. A: False. Ginger’s nutrient profile does undergo some changes during the drying and bottling process, but it still offers up plenty of health benefits and is definitely worth adding to your diet – in any form. The method used to create ground ginger from fresh ginger reduces the amount of gingerol (one of the ingredients that contributes to its health properties) in the root, but it also appears to increase levels of other compounds, such as shogaols, which appear to have impressive medicinal benefits and may be even more potent than gingerol. Plus, ground ginger is more convenient to cook with, so you’ll probably use more of it. Try adding it to smoothies, marinades, dressings, healthy muffin recipes (like my spiced Pumpkin version), and even oatmeal if you like. If you can, try to mix things up and use a combo of both fresh gingerroot and dried ginger in your diet – the more the better! Fresh gingerroot is very inexpensive and keeps for a while in the produce drawer. You can even store it in the freezer to make it last longer. I like to use fresh ginger to make a simple ginger tea: cut 2 to 3 thin slices of fresh gingerroot, steep it in 1 to 2 cups of simmering water for a few minutes, and then pour into a mug for sipping. Or try my Ginger Green Tea – very soothing and incredibly healthful! Find out about more herbs and spices that may be beneficial to your health.

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