The novel coronavirus COVID-19 is now spreading worldwide. A healthy diet is essential to boost your immune system on top of proper personal and home hygiene to combat the growing threat of this novel virus.
There are a number of food items that can help strengthen your immune response. Here are a few immune system booster foods that you can incorporate in your daily diet:
1. Broccoli
Packed with vitamins A, C and E and powerful antioxidants such as sulforaphane, broccoli is one of the nutrient-dense vegetables that can help you improve your immune system and fight cancer. Broccoli can be enjoyed raw or cooked, while it is a good source of fibre and soluble protein.
2. Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are a rich source of vitamin C, containing about twice as much of the nutrient as citruses. It is one of the best foods for your immune system if you are trying to avoid excessive sugar intake from eating fruits.
3. Garlic
Garlic adds a little zing to your food, but it is even better to help you prevent cold and flu. Garlic contains allicin, which turns into allicin—a compound that gives garlic its immune-boosting property—when crushed or sliced.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries are the best choice if you are looking for fruits that are good for your immune system. A 2016 study carried out by University of Auckland and Victoria University in Australia shows that the flavonoid compounds in blueberries play an important role in the immune system of the respiratory tract.
5. Green tea
Just like blueberries, green tea contains flavonoids which can help you to fight cold and flu. Medical studies show that the quercetin antioxidant in green tea acts as an antiviral agent that hinder viral replication of respiratory viruses such as influenza virus.
Source:
© Cigna Healthcare 2023
Information provided in this article is intended for health and fitness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease (see Terms & Conditions for details). Any health-related information found in this article is available only for your interest and should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician, especially before self-diagnosing any ailment or embarking on any new lifestyle or exercise regime. Any information contained in this article may not be suitable, accurate, complete or reliable. Cigna Healthcare accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of information contained on external websites or resources, or for the security and safety of using them. "Cigna Healthcare" and the "Tree of Life" logo are registered trademarks of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. in the United States and elsewhere, licensed for use. All products and services are provided by or through operating subsidiaries, and not by The Cigna Group.
