10 Powerful Immune Boosters You Need Right Now

Green tea has in it, powerful antioxidants and is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine may aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells. You can surely bolster your immune system with this.

Watermelon is an immune-boosting fruit. It has so much to give with: 30% of the daily value of vitamin A, and 25% of the value of vitamin C in just a sizeable take say 2 cup fulls. Calories in watermelon aren't much at all.  Watermelon also provides vitamin B6 and glutathione. The body needs these vitamins, nutrients, and compounds like glutathione for proper immune function.

Citrus Most people turn to vitamin C after they've caught a cold. That’s because it helps build up your immune system. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections. Popular citrus fruits include * grapefruit, *oranges, *tangerines, *lemons, *limes. A great point to note is that your body doesn't produce or store it, hence, you need daily vitamin C for continued health. Almost all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. With such a variety to choose from, it's easy to add a squeeze of this vitamin to any meal.

Almonds: When it comes to preventing and fighting off colds, vitamin E tends to take a backseat to vitamin C. However, vitamin E is key to a healthy immune system.   Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with the vitamin and also have healthy fats. 

Spinach is well packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems. Similar to broccoli, spinach is healthiest when it’s cooked as little as possible so that it retains its nutrients. However, light cooking enhances its vitamin A and allows other nutrients to be released from oxalic acid.

Sweet Potatoes One medium sweet potato packs a whopping 120% of the daily value of vitamin A and 30% of the daily value of vitamin C, all for just 100 calories. These vitamins are crucial for immune function and great for your skin. Sweet potatoes are a cholesterol-free and fat-free food, so you get all the helpful, immune-boosting vitamins without the guilt. Sweet potatoes serve up a healthy portion of fiber, too.

Garlic, other than being a great addition to meals, it's a must-have for your health. Early civilizations recognized its value in fighting infections. Garlic may also help lower blood pressure and slow down hardening of the arteries. Garlic’s immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin.

Ginger is another ingredient many turn to after getting sick. Ginger may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses.  While it's used in many sweet desserts, ginger packs some heat in the form of gingerol, a relative of capsaicin. Ginger may help decrease chronic pain and may possess cholesterol-lowering properties.

Red Bell Pepper A great point to note is that Red Bell Pepper can give you twice the amount of Vitamin C you get from Citrus.  They’re also a rich source of beta carotene. Besides boosting your immune system, vitamin C may help maintain healthy skin. Beta carotene helps keep your eyes and skin healthy.

Mushrooms  Mushrooms are high in selenium and B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin. These minerals and vitamins are necessary for the immune system to work in tip-top form. Mushrooms are also high in polysaccharides, sugar-like molecules that boost immune function.

Yoghurts I am sure you wouldn't mind getting a glass of Yoghurt as an extra at an event, more so at this time.  Do well to make sure you always have a supply of Yoghurt in your fridge as it is a great source of vitamin D.  Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and is thought to boost our body’s natural defences against diseases.  Also, try to get plain yoghurts rather than the kinds that are preflavored and loaded with sugar.