5 Foods to Boost your Immune System

Our immune systems struggle daily with elements of stress and lack of nutrients. The limitations in daily life prevent us from always maintaining a healthy diet. As cold and flu season arrives it is prominent to keep your immune system strong. While there are certain steps to create shortcuts such as juices, smoothies, or powdered supplements. 

There are also specific foods to be mindful to get proper nutrition. These foods alone carry most nutrients than others in their category. This will help your immune system fight off viruses and bad bacteria. 

These are the most nutrient-dense foods to bring into your diet for an immune boost.

1. Salmon

The king of all fish. Rich in Omega 3s, which helps with the function of the body. They help fight disease and overall well being. 

Salmon also contains other nutrients such as B vitamins, potassium, selenium, and magnesium.

The best quality is wild salmon as opposed to farm-raised. There are fewer contaminants and a higher omega 6-3 ratio. 

2. Blueberries

They are one of the highest antioxidant-filled foods. The compounds in these berries cross the blood barrier and provide protection for the brain. 

Certain studies have shown it can lower blood pressure, improved memory, and help fight cancer. Not to mention they can be used in smoothies, frozen or fresh.  

3. Dark Chocolate

Yes, our favorite excuse to indulge in this delicious snack and it has health benefits!

It contains essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and fiber. Also helps improve brain function, blood flow, and lower blood pressure.

The higher level of antioxidants depends on the percentage of dark chocolate. The best kind to get would be 85%.

4. Mushrooms

These amazing fungi are full of immune-boosting properties. They are versatile for cooking as you can add them in many dishes like stir-fry, soups, pizzas, salads, and stews. 

Mushrooms are high in selenium and B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin.

5. Ginger

This magical root is a great anti-inflammatory with many benefits including cancer fighting properties and aids in digestion. You can enjoy ginger in many forms such as tea, smoothies, added spice to cooking, and even comes in supplement form for those on the go. 

Helps with:

• cancer
• digestive issues
• anti-inflammatory 
• immune health

These are just some of the great immune boosting foods that you can incorporate into your diet. All of these are accessible year round.