Foods that boost your immunity
November 29, 2011 11:46AM
Shrimp contain the antioxidant selenium, which supports your immune system. | Larry Crowe~AP
Updated: January 1, 2012 8:02AM
Q. I get a lot of colds during the winter. Is there anything I can eat that will help stave them off?
A. A number of foods can boost your immunity. Try these for starters:
Nuts: Snack on almonds, cashews or walnuts, which are packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps kick pesky free-radicals out of your body and creates antibodies that fight the bacteria that make you sick.
Citrus fruits: The famous vitamin C helps fight infection and is a good antioxidant to eat alongside vitamin E. Grapefruits, clementines, lemons, limes and tangerines are all part of this family. Citrus not your thing? Try bell peppers — they have more vitamin C than an orange.
Shrimp: They may have cholesterol, but they’re also extremely low in fat and contain the antioxidant selenium; many foods have a combination of “bad” and “good” nutrients, with balance ultimately mattering most. Selenium is a mineral needed in small amounts and works to support a healthy immune system.
Yogurt: Probiotics, the “good bacteria” found in yogurt and other foods, keep your digestive system up and running. According to research from the Journal of the American Dietetics Association, consuming foods with probiotics regularly may also help boost your immune system.
Green tea: The polyphenols in green tea act as potent antioxidants. Research suggests that catechins, a specific type of polyphenol, may stimulate the immune-system cells and hinder disease-promoting compounds. Although you may detect a bitter taste, you can disguise it with a bit of honey. Adding milk is a no-no, as it will bind to the polyphenols and stop their immunity-building benefits.
Scripps Howard News Service
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