5 Powerful Immune Boosting Foods | Healthy & Whole Foods

Keeping your immune system active and strong is more important now than ever. By feeding your body certain foods, you can help your immune system out and possibly keep sickness at bay. Here are 5 immune-boosting foods you can grow in your garden now.

Red Bell Peppers

Red bell pepper contains twice as much vitamin C as citrus. Vitamin C helps build up a healthy immune system. (This is why people chug orange juice when they have a cold). It increases white blood cell production which is key to fighting infections. Additionally, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene which helps maintain glowing skin and healthy eyes.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains vast amounts of Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as tons of antioxidants and fiber. Vitamin A helps your vital organs like lungs, heart, and kidneys, function well and boosts the immune system. Vitamins E and antioxidants help fight free radical damage.

To achieve the maximum amount of nutrients from broccoli, cook it as little as possible — or not at all.

You can start growing your own broccoli today. Our Broccoli Growing & Harvesting Guide teaches you exactly how you can start your own successful broccoli container garden and start harvesting fresh broccoli.

Garlic

Garlic has been known and cherished for fighting infections by ancient civilizations. Its amazing immune-boosting properties are a result of the heavy concentration of allicin in its cloves. Garlic has also been proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

An added bonus: garlic is a hardy vegetable that is great to grow for beginners. It is easily propagated by replanting bulbs and can be a great companion plant to any vegetable garden.

You can learn how to grow your own fresh garlic with our Garlic Growing Guide.

Spinach

These rich green leaves are packed with nutrients, including Vitamin C, antioxidants, and betacarotene. These three compounds are known to increase the infection-fighting ability of immune systems.

Spinach is healthiest for you when it’s cooked very little or not at all. On the other hand, light cooking actually allows Vitamin A and other nutrients to be released from oxalic acid.

Spinach is also an easy to grow leafy green. With all the health benefits it’s hard to not want to start growing it yourself. You can learn how to grow your own spinach with our spinach growing guide.

Strawberries

Like red bell peppers, strawberries have more vitamin C than citrus. They have tons of antioxidants and a high polyphenol content, which will keep your body all-around healthy.

All of these immune-boosting foods are even better for you when freshly harvested. Start growing your own garden kit today and invest in your lifetime health!