Building a healthy immune system is the most crucial component in the journey to lead a healthy life. With the pandemic striking the country, more and more people started to take their health seriously and wanted to build a sound, responsive immune system. As the heat rises with the onset of summer, it makes it hard for people to continue their daily activities. With a lowered appetite and constant craving for colder food and drinks, our body might not receive the nutrients to build a strong immune system and improve our health. It is best to eat the right summer food that gives a cooling effect to our body and is light on our stomach during these times. These foods also have the essential nutrients required to maintain a healthy life while simultaneously building immunity.
Here are a few summer foods that will help you build your immunity!
Five summer foods to build immunity:
Mangoes
Summer seasons automatically mean mango seasons! This seasonal favorite is packed with antioxidants and vitamins like A, C, and K. They are loaded with nutrients that boost immunity, improve digestion, and are good for the eyes. It contains 50% of the daily required vitamin C in one serving. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps in faster wound healing. Vitamin A, present in mangoes, helps the body fight against various infections and promotes eye health.
Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in healthy gut bacteria that have loaded benefits on health. Yogurt is one of the most common summer foods as it cools the body and fights against the summer heat. It contains probiotics that promote a healthy digestive system and keeps digestive issues at bay. It also has vitamin D, which helps the immune system function normally.
Watermelon
Watermelons are common summer snacks. This fruit has 90% water content, is sweet and filling, and is a very low-calorie snack. It has a cooling and rehydrating effect on the body. Watermelon contains antioxidants like lycopene, cucurbitacin E, and vitamins A and C. Since it is rich in fibers, it can improve digestive health and bowel movements. Some studies show that lycopene intake can lower the risk of some types of cancer. The antioxidants present in watermelon can help remove molecules known as free radicals that can damage your cells if accumulated.
Lemons
Lemon is rich in vitamin C and is used widely in summers to make lemonades. Lemonades are cooling and refreshing and make one feel energetic when they drink them. Vitamin C acts as an immunity booster, and it is hydrating, cooling, and refreshing. Adding lemon slices to your water, squeezing lemon juice on salads, or consuming it as lemonade can give your body an energy boost and a kick to your immune system.
Mint buttermilk
Buttermilks are one of the most popular summer drinks in the country. Adding a dash of crushed mint to regular buttermilk can enhance its nutritional value and refreshing properties. Like yogurt, buttermilk is loaded with healthy gut bacteria that aid the digestive system and boost immunity. Mint is rich in Vitamin A, C, and E and has anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C boosts immunity, while vitamin A keeps the eyes healthy, and vitamin E is essential for good skin health. The anti-inflammatory properties help in removing harmful radicals.
