Superfoods to help boost your immune system against COVID-19

As Australians practice social distancing in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Health Hacker Adam MacDougall has put together a list of some natural foods which will help strengthen your immune system.

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As COVID-19 tightens its grip on Australia, more and more us are naturally looking for ways to help stave of contracting the virus, whether it’s for ourselves, or to protect those around us who might be at higher risk of developing serious complications.

But while there’s no vaccine to ward off coronavirus (though scientists around the world are working tirelessly on creating one) there are some easy, natural steps you can take to strengthen your immune system to help you fight of this virus, and illnesses like it.

The immune system is your body’s defence against infection and illness. It works by identifying disease-causing germs and defeating them before they can make you ill. Basically, if your body is a castle, then your immune system is the wall that protects it.

Watermelon is a great immune booster.

Exercise, sleep and stress levels all play a big role here, but perhaps nothing is so important as your diet. Because, unsurprisingly, what you put into your body has a significant impact on how it can respond to illness.

If you don’t give your body the nutrients it needs, your immune system doesn’t get the resources it needs to protect you. So how do you get these nutrients? You eat a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Unfortunately, you can’t completely avoid getting sick. You can, however, ensure your immune system is in the best state to fight off infection and illness when they occur.

Here are the healthy, tasty foods that will give your immune system a welcome boost. And in the meantime, stay safe, stay calm, and look after each other.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are magic for your immune system! Not only are they rich in B vitamins and minerals, they also contain powerful antioxidants like glutathione and selenium. Studies have shows that selenium, in particular, helps to lower oxidative stress in the body, which in turn has a positive impact on your immune system.

Watermelon

This cheap, tasty fruit is a talented immune booster. Watermelon is high in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, all of which give your immune system a boost.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is rich in probiotics, which help to boost immune function and may even help reduce the severity of illness or infection. It’s also high dose of protein and vitamins D, B2 and B12, all which are necessary for a robust and healthy immune system

Yoghurt has loads of natural probiotics.

Spinach

Spinach was the world’s first superfood for a reason. High in folate, magnesium and iron, the nutrients in spinach help cells to function at their best which, in turn, boosts their response to infection. Not only that, but spinach is also high in vitamin C, an essential micronutrient your body can’t produce.

Sweet potato

While regular potatoes aren’t counted towards your five a day, sweet potatoes are, because they’re an excellent source of beta carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. Beta carotene is crucial because your body converts it to vitamin A, which plays an important role in boosting immune function.

Broccoli

Did you know one cup of broccoli provides as much vitamin C as an orange? Not only that, but broccoli also contains multiple other immune-boosting nutrients, and an array of B vitamins, which help in the production of disease-fighting cells in your body.

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