Immunity Boosting POWER Foods

It's that time of year, and trust me, you don't not want to spend the Holidays with an awful cold. Since I have been travelling a lot this Fall and have another trip coming up in the next couple weeks, the lack of sleep and change in routine has got my immune system majorly suppressed. I did some research on which vegan foods specifically, contribute to strengthening our immune systems and this is what I found!

Immunity Boosting Power Foods

Garlic

Active Immunity Boosting Ingredient: Allicin

Function: Fights infection and bacteria

Black Tea

Function: Black tea releases virus-fighting interferon into our blood stream.

Sweet Potatoes

Active Immunity Boosting Ingredient: Vitamin A

Function: Plays major role in function of connective tissue, specifically the skin, which is our first line of defense against bacteria. 

Mushrooms

Function: Eating mushrooms has been shown to increase the production of white blood cells, the cells responsible for fighting off bacteria and viruses once they have already entered our body. 

Acai Berries

Active Immunity Boosting Ingredient: Anthocyanins

Function: Antioxidants with disease fighting properties

Watermelon

Active Immunity Boosting Ingredient: Glutathione

Function: Powerful antioxidant which strengthens the immune system to better fight infection

Almonds

Active Immunity Boosting Ingredient: Vitamin E, Riboflavin and B Vitamins

Function: Helps to combat stress allowing the body to better respond to foreign germs.

Grapefruit

Active Immunity Boosting Ingredient: Vitamin C

Function: Increases the activation of the immune system response.

Other foods (non-vegan):
Fish
Chicken soup
Yogurt
Oysters

Question of the Day:
What do you do to try to fight off winter illness? Are there any specific foods or supplements you have found that work well for you?