Common Foods That Boost Your Immune System

Watermelon
It's not only refreshing. When it's ripe, it's also got plenty of an antioxidant called glutathione. It strengthens the immune system so it can fight infection. To get the most glutathione in your watermelon, eat the red pulpy flesh near the rind.

Wheat Germ
It's the part of a wheat seed that feeds a baby wheat plant, and it's rich in nutrients. It's a great way to get zinc, antioxidants, and B vitamins. Wheat germ delivers a good mix of fiber, protein, and some healthy fat. In recipes, you can substitute some of the regular flour with wheat germ.

Spinach
You'll find lots of nutrients in this "super food." One of them is folate, which helps your body make new cells and repair DNA. It also boasts fiber, antioxidants such as vitamin C, and more. Eat spinach raw or lightly cooked to get the most benefit.

Sweet Potato
Like carrots, sweet potatoes have beta-carotene. In your body that turns into vitamin A, which mops up damaging free radicals. This helps bolster the immune system and may even improve the aging process.

Garlic
This kitchen staple does more than punch up the flavor of food. Raw garlic can help beat skin infections thanks to its ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi. To get the benefits, you have to use the real stuff, though, not garlic powder. A garlic supplement may even help lower your cholesterol.

Ginger
Maybe you love ginger for the spicy kick it gives Asian food. Or because when you drink it in tea or ginger ale, it can ease nausea and vomiting. But wait -- there’s more. This knobby root is also a good source of antioxidants. Skip the supplements, though. Add ginger to stir fries or steep it in hot water to make tea. Antioxidants work best in your body when you get them straight from fruits and veggies.

Carrot
Most of the benefits of carrots can be attributed to their beta-carotene and fiber content. This root vegetable is also a good source of antioxidant agents. Furthermore, carrots are rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, vitamin B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese.