Five best foods to boost your immune system

The immune system consists of organs, cells, tissues, and proteins. Together, these carry out bodily processes that fight off pathogens, which are the viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies that cause infection or disease.

The following foods may help to boost the immune system:

Blueberries

Blueberries have antioxidant properties that may boost the immune system. Blueberries contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin, which has antioxidant properties that can help boost a person’s immune system. A 2016 studyTrusted Source noted that flavonoids play an essential role in the respiratory tract’s immune defense system.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a yellow spice that many people use in cooking. It is also present in some alternative medicines. Consuming turmeric may improve a person’s immune response. This is due to the qualities of curcumin, a compound in turmeric.

Broccoli

Broccoli is another source of vitamin C. It also contains potent antioxidants, such as sulforaphane. For these reasons, it is a good choice of vegetable to eat regularly to support immune system health.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta caroteneTrusted Source, a type of antioxidant that gives the skin of the potatoes its orange color. Beta carotene is a source of vitamin A. It helps to make skin healthy and may even provide some protection against skin damageTrusted Source from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Spinach

Spinach may boost the immune system, as it contains many essential nutrients and antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamins C and E can help support the immune systemTrusted Source.