Immunity Boosting Foods For Men During Winter

By Madhu Babu

Arrival of winter brings with it a lot of ailments and sickness that need to be countered by a strong immune system in our body. Cold and flu are two of the most troublesome ailments you may have to counter during winters. They become rampant and highly active during the months of winter due to cold conditions that acts as a catalyst. Immune system in your body is responsible for fighting off these elements that bring about sickness.

During winter you have to stay warm, well hydrated and healthy to fight off common cold and other winter flu's. You need to stay healthy with adequate sleep and stay on healthy diet to keep your immune system well oiled and ready to defend your body from elements that enter your system to make you sick. There are lots of immunity boosting foods that help in fighting flu's this winter. You also need to stay fit and healthy with regular exercise to boost your immunity

Foods that is rich in vitamin A, E, C and minerals such as Zinc help in strengthening your immunity. Fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, turnips, pears, grapefruits, orange, cabbage, bell peppers, avocado, apples and bananas are known to be immunity fighting goods. You need to make sure your diet is rich in these fruits and vegetables to boost and strengthen your immune system.

Here is some of the immunity fighting foods for this winter.

Broccoli

Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in vitamins A and C along with nutrient such as folic acid, calcium, and fiber. It is high in antioxidants and other protective substances that may shield you from disease in winter.

Carrot

Carrot

Carrot is rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene antioxidant. Vitamin A helps in strengthening immunity by assisting the liver flush out toxins. It is popularly known to fight infections and other ailments.

Apple

Apple

Rich nutritional benefits of apples can be enjoyed during winter. It is highly healthy and provide lots of fibre and antioxidants that keep you healthy and fight common cold and fevers that spread during winter seasons.

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit is rich in Vitamin C. Studies show a single Kiwi fruit to contain an entire daily requirement of Vitamin C for an adult. Vitamin C helps in strengthening immune system particularly for winter.

Green tea

Green tea

Green tea is nothing less than an elixir that has numerous health benefits. It helps in cleansing your body of toxins and boosts your health and immune system. It is highly rich is antioxidants.

Red Meat

Red Meat

You need to add lean meat dishes to your regular diet to maximise intake of zinc. Adults need eight to 12 milligrams of zinc a day, half of which is found in a palm-sized piece of lean red meat like beef or chicken.

Oysters

Oysters

Oysters are power house of zinc. A single oyster can fulfil the required daily intake of Zinc for an adult. Zinc is involved in the development and functioning of the body's infection-fighting white blood cells.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is rich in Lauric acid, which helps in fighting off virus and bacteria's that cause infections. As a versatile oil, it can be used for cooking various culinary to increase its daily intake.

Blue Berries

Blue Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, and acai berries all contain high ORAC values offering protection against free radicals and sickness in the body. Berries also contain essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber which cleanse your body and improve immunity.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are known to help support the immune system. Varieties of mushrooms such as maitake, reishi, coriolus, agaracus, and shiitake are rich in medicinal values. These mushrooms contain powerful compounds called beta-glucans, which are proven to help activate the immune system.

Story first published: Thursday, November 28, 2013, 10:04 [IST]
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