9 top foods for immune support
MegaFood | August 2020
When it comes to the best vitamins for immune support, the first place you should turn to is your kitchen. All those drawers, shelves & cabinets hold a treasure-trove of delicious and nutritious foods that can work to boost immunity.
Here, we share 9 immune-supporting foods as well as our recommendations for the best immune support supplements and vitamins.
1. Strawberries. This family-favorite fruit - enjoyed on its own or in cereal or salads - is a great source of vitamin C, the go-to vitamin for immune system support that enhances immune cells.* Other sources of vitamin C include citrus, kiwi, guava, broccoli, kale, swiss chard, brussel sprouts, sweet red peppers & yellow peppers
2. Sauerkraut. A whopping 70-80% of the immune system is found along the gastrointestinal tract, which means probiotics support healthy digestion and healthy immune function.* As a probiotic-rich fermented food, sauerkraut is your gut’s condiment of choice for every meal, under scrambled eggs, in a salad or atop a baked potato. Other sources of probiotic-rich foods include miso, kefir & yogurt
3. Elderberry. A botanical used in Europe for hundreds of years to support optimal immune health, this dark purple berry packs a potent punch of immune support for the entire family* - your kids or grandkids might love elderberry more than you do! Other botanicals known for their immune supporting properties include echinacea & andrographis*
- Yummy gummy: Get a daily dose of joy with these elderberry immune support gummies from MegaFood*
- Get immune support for kids with our Kids Daily Immune Powder*
4. Ginger. This antioxidant-rich underground stem (sometimes mistaken as a root) helps support the immune system while it adds a boost of flavor and spice to everything from a cup of hot water with lemon to a bowl of soup. Other sources of antioxidant-rich foods include blueberries, pecans, red cabbage & dark chocolate
5. Tofu. A master of disguise from breakfast (blended into a smoothie) to dessert (whipped into chocolate pudding), this plant-based protein provides zinc, a powerhouse “immune mineral” that helps activate white blood cells for healthy immune function.* Other sources of zinc include oysters, lentils & mushrooms
6. Yogurt. All yogurts are not created equal - try to avoid the sugary stuff and reach instead for unsweetened dairy or vegan yogurt that contains live cultures fortified with vitamin D, which is absolutely vital for a properly functioning immune system.* Other sources of vitamin D include canned tuna, egg yolks & salmon
7. Cauliflower. This super-star cruciferous veggie has revelled in the culinary spotlight in recent years thanks to its ability to recast itself as anything from rice to pizza crust. We love it for all that, plus the fact that it offers choline, a water-soluble vitamin-like essential nutrient that may help maintain the immune system.* Other sources of choline include beef liver, whole eggs, roasted soy nuts, broccoli & brussel sprouts
8. Turmeric. This spicy, golden-hued herb - perhaps best-known for its starring role in Indian curry-based dishes - has popped up everywhere in recent years, from specialty chocolate bars and trendy lattes to artisan ice cream. Turmeric is the source of a compound known as curcumin, which helps support a healthy inflammation response anti-inflammatory properties thought to support immunity.* Tip: Black pepper helps the body absorb curcumin, so add a dash to your turmeric dishes.
9. Chickpeas. Whether you prefer them tossed into a salad or transformed into hummus, chickpeas are a delectably easy way to get some vitamin B6 in your diet, which helps keep the immune system strong.* Other sources of B6 include cold-water fish like tuna and salmon as well as chicken and leafy greens
It’s not always easy to eat a perfect diet, and quality supplements can help fill nutritional gaps. Look for foods and supplements that support your immune system.
Try this delicious Green Immune Smoothie recipe!
Shop our full line of Immune Supplements.