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Ten Foods that Help Support Your Immunity

Woman holding two orange slices against her eyes.

If you are what you eat, then eating a healthy diet should mean that you’re in good health! Incorporating specific foods and nutrients into your diet can help support your immune system and overall health. Foods rich in nutrients like Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 can help enhance your immune response.1 Learn about these beneficial nutrients and try ten foods that boost your immune system.

What Ten Foods Can Help Boost Your Immune System?

Now that you understand which nutrients are needed to support immune health, learn about ten immune-boosting foods you can add to your diet that are rich in these nutrients:

 

  • Yogurt: Rich in probiotics, yogurt promotes a healthy gut microbiome. The gut microbiome, produces anti-microbial proteins and stimulates immune cell activity, helping with immune function.2,3
  • Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are all excellent sources of Vitamin C, that delight the taste buds and bolster the immune system.Try out new citrus food recipes to integrate more Vitamin C into your diet.
  • Red bell peppers: Red peppers are also a plentiful source of Vitamin C, offering more vitamin C than oranges.3
  • Spinach: Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamin A, beta carotene, and also contains folate, an important B vitamin, that helps bolster your immune system.3
  • Ginger: Ginger offers numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, thanks to its nutrient density, which includes vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.3
  • Broccoli: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, broccoli provides glutathione, an antioxidant that helps to attack free radicals and helps to protect your immune system.3
  • Kale: Add this leafy green to your diet for an extra boost of Vitamin C.4 You can add kale to smoothies or enjoy it in a salad.
  • Enriched bread, pasta or rice: These folate-rich foods can help support your immune system.4
  • Avocados: Avocados are another delicious source of folate.4 Try avocado toast on enriched bread for a tasty breakfast.
  • Chickpeas: This legume is rich in vitamin B6, which is an important vitamin for your immune system.1

Try incorporating these ten healthy foods into your diet to supply your body with essential nutrients that can help support your immune system. Enjoy a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to receive a wide range of nutrients for your health and well-being.

What Nutrients Help Keep Your Immune System Strong?

A diverse diet rich in essential nutrients is necessary for supporting your health, bodily functions and helping to maintain a resilient immune system. To support your bodily health and immune system, ensure your diet includes the following micronutrients:

 

  • Folate: Getting enough folate is important for your immune system.4
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is vital for supporting various immune functions and helps the body's defense against infections.4
  • Vitamin D: Essential for immune health, Vitamin D plays an important role in helping to regulate immune function and support bones.4
  • Zinc: This essential mineral is important for a health immune system and also helps to heal wounds and provide a sense of taste.4
  • Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is an essential mineral that assists the immune system.1
  • Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that supports immune function.5

When thinking about changing your diet, it's important to chat with your doctor or a registered dietitian. If your doctor suggests taking extra supplements, consider a vitamin mix like Emergen-C Triple Plus Action. Emergen-C Triple Plus Action offers beta glucan, vitamin C, and vitamin D providing your immune system with triple action support.* 

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Source Citations:

1. 5 Vitamins That Are Best for Boosting Your Immunity. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamins-best-boosting-immunity. Accessed 5/14/2024.

2. Nutrition and Immunity. Harvard School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-immunity/. Accessed 5/14/2024.

3. 11 Foods to Boost Your Immune System. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/food-to-boost-your-immune-system. Accessed 5/14/2024.

4. 8 Vitamins for an Immune System Boost. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/eat-these-foods-to-boost-your-immune-system. Accessed 5/14/2024.

5. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). Mount Sinai. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-b12-cobalamin. Accessed 5/14/2024.