An apple a day keeps the doctor away. So the saying goes.
The thought of the affordable and easily-available apple in keeping our immunity in check (and doctor’s fees low) sure is inviting.
Take a closer look at the foods available around us, and you will realise that it actually does not cost a lot to include immunity boosting foods into our diet. Here are 7 such reasonably-priced common foods and their benefits.
Packed with Vitamin E, unsalted almonds serve as awesome healthy snacks.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant vital in keeping our immune systems in check. It protects our body tissues and helps in the development of red blood cells. It is a fat soluble vitamin that gets absorbed into our bodies along with fats in the food we consume, and stored in our livers and fatty tissues until required.
Have a handful a day to boost your health.
A great source of vitamins, this cruciferous vegetable is both delicious and low in calories.
Rich in antioxidants, broccoli is high in vitamins A, B, C, E, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and fiber. All rolled into one, the broccoli aids in keeping your immune system in tip-top condition.
Go on and load up on this nutritious vegetable the next time you do your grocery shopping.
A herb that is included in many dishes for added flavour, garlic, with its antiviral properties, is also used in home treatments to deter colds and flu.
Power packed with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, this immune boosting bulb is rich in antioxidants that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart and cancer.
Time to spice up your dishes with this plant if you have not already done so. It is available in many forms – fresh, powder and even oil.
Like garlic, ginger is also widely included in many dishes.
A root with anti-inflammatory properties, many consume ginger to reduce inflammation from sore throats. With its antioxidant properties, it also aids in the prevention of arthritis, neurodegenerative ailments and cancers and even reduce cholesterol levels.
Try a cup of ginger tea or perhaps add it into your dessert today.
Oranges, and all other citrus fruits, are high in vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant that helps improve our immune systems. Here are some of its many benefits:
Not a fan of oranges? Kiwi fruit, lemons, grapefruits are other citrus fruits you can consider too.
Packing a punch, this green leafy vegetable has high antioxidant levels. It is rich in:
All of the above help boost and support our immune systems, and increase our ability to fight infections.
Have it raw or lightly cooked to get the most nutrients out of them.
Depending on where you get your sweet potatoes from, its cost can range quite widely. Regardless, its health and immunity boosting benefits still remain, specifically the orange ones. Here’s why:
The orange-coloured sweet potato gets its rich color from the beta carotene antioxidant it contains. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A which, together with the vitamin C in sweet potatoes, helps support our immune systems, keep our skin looking healthy and prevent the loss of eyesight.
High in fiber and cholesterol-free, sweet potatoes can easily be added into a variety of dishes.
Look out for the common superfoods above the next time you shop for your groceries. At relatively affordable prices, you can eat right every day to boost your immune system.
