5 Foods That Naturally Boost The Immune System

Happy August Natural Beauties!

It's that time of the year where kids are back to school and the change of season has us looking for ways to protect and bolster our first line of defense against bacteria & viruses. As with most things in your body, a healthy diet is key to a strong immune system. Today we're sharing the top five foods to incorporate into your diet that naturally help boost the immune system and fight off those seasonal bugs.

 

1. Garlic: Anti-bacterial + prevents infection -Fresh garlic has been used for centuries as both a food ingredient and a medicine. It contains an immune system boosting compound called alliin. When garlic is digested, alliin turns into allicin, a molecule that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. 

 

2. Spinach: Anti-oxidant + rich in vitamin C & beta carotenes -  Raw spinach is a dark leafy green that packs a powerful immunity punch. Loaded with antioxidants that shield immune cells from environmental damage and encourage the production of bacteria-busting, spinach contains antioxidants that  repair DNA damage thereby enhancing your body’s ability to rejuvenate itself. 

3. Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory + moderates immune system - Turmeric root has been deemed the superfood of choice for busting inflammation for centuries now. It contains a chemical named curcumin which has prebiotic-like properties that help enable to make changes to the gut microbiota and support the gut-immune connection.

4. Broccoli: Anti-oxidant + rich in vitamins, minerals & fiber - Your parents always told you to eat your broccoli, turns out they were right. Broccoli is a nutrient-packed powerhouse that contains as much vitamin C as an orange. This veggie is also high in beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Together, these vitamins and minerals help the immune system to run in top form.

5. Papaya: Loaded with digestive enzymes, potassium, & vitamins B & C - Papaya's are another vitamin C superstar, packed with over 235 milligrams. This sunshiney fruit is also home to a molecule named papain, an anti-inflammatory digestive enzyme.