8 fruits that will boost your immune system in the new year

These 8 winter fruits will boost your immunity and make you stronger in the new year!

During the winter season, we need to protect ourselves from cold and flu. There are so many things we can do to keep our immune system strong: exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, minimize stress, and eat a healthy diet. Several fruits have the power to help build a better immune system for our bodies. Keep in mind that fruits in season can be very beneficial when compared to the same produce available at the grocery stores all year round. These are the 8 fruits that will boost your immune system and make you stronger for the new year:

• Oranges are often known as abundant in vitamin C. That is very true as one 8 ounce glass of orange juice contains 100% of our daily recommended value. Vitamin C promotes the production and function of the immune cells. Vitamin D and plant compounds also found in oranges, help fight infection and help build a strong immune system.

• Pomegranates not only have vitamin C and E that help boost our immune system, but they have also shown to be antibacterial and antiviral in lab tests. Even though pomegranates are in season between the months of September and November, they store well and are available in December and January.

• Clementines have amazing properties, one of them is 54 mg of vitamin C for 100g edible clementines. Even though they are sweeter, clementines are very similar to tangerines which also offer important benefits to our bodies.

• Lemons are not only great when we are thirsty and we see a lemonade stand during the summer, they are actually best when they are in season, during the winter! Lemons not only contain vitamin C, but they also have about 60mcg of zinc per 100g. By the way, you are better off squeezing a lemon into a glass of water than making a sugary lemonade.

• Kiwi is a great source of vitamin C and it has strong antioxidant properties. One serving of kiwi (about 2 fruits) boasts 137.2 mg of vitamin C. There are many ways to enjoy a kiwifruit, like in smoothies, salads, or even as an elegant garnish.

• Grapefruits are not only high in vitamin C, they also have a great anti-inflammatory effect. Grapefruits have the power to restore levels of glutathione, a molecule recognized as one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. Try our easy and delicious yogurt and grapefruit recipe.

• Apples have quercetin in the skin, which is a type of plant pigment that helps boost your immune system. Apples are best if eaten fresh. Dehydrating or drying them removes vitamin C, which is predominantly in the flesh. A fun way to enjoy apples is by making this dark chocolate and apple recipe. Don’t forget to leave the skin on!

• Pears may promote gut health due to their high fiber amount. Fibers are considered prebiotics which improves immunity. Pears are also a great source of flavonoid antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and may decrease your risk of disease. Just be sure to eat the peel because that is where you can find many of this fruit’s nutrients.