7 Super Foods That Boost Immune System In Children
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As soon as you become a parent, your entire life’s focus shift towards one person. And, that is your precious, little angel. You soon find yourself getting worried about things that you might have never imagined of earlier. And, one of those things is your little one’s immune system. All you secretly want is a super awesome immunity for your child so as to ensure his/her well-being.
The concern grows even more if you notice that your kiddo has been falling ill frequently. Or, simply when it is the time of the year that flu makes a frequent visit. But, don’t worry, there is a way to take care of your child’s immune system on a day-to-day basis. Just incorporate some superfoods into your kid’s regular diet to boost his/her immune system. Here, we bring you some of these foods:
In This Article
1. Leafy Veggies
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, cabbage, and broccoli can help your kid fight against infections. For instance, spinach contains loads of nutrients, of which one is folate. And, folate can help your body with the formation of new cells, or aid in repairing DNA. Spinach also comprises fiber and antioxidants like vitamin C, which can prove helpful too (1).
2. Garlic
This kitchen staple can do more than just spark up the flavor of your food. It is said that including garlic in your diet is one of the best things that you can do during the flu season. A natural chemical that is present in garlic called Allicin can help fight off bacteria. And, in some cases, possibly virus too (2).
3. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes comprise beta-carotene. When it enters into your body, it gets converted into vitamin A that helps mop up the damaging free radicals. This can help boost your little one’s immune system. And, since it’s known to have a positive effect on the aging process, including it in your regular diet can just be a blessing in disguise (3).
4. Pomegranate Juice
It is one of the things that Ancient Egyptians would use to treat infections. Maybe, they were onto something. While modern research has focused more on the beneficial effects of pomegranate extracts, the juice shows remarkable promise too. It can help your body fight off bacterial infections. And, various kinds of viruses too, including the flu (4).
5. Ginger
Maybe, one of the biggest reasons why you love ginger is because of how it gives a flavorful kick to all your food. But, there is another reason to love ginger now. It is a rich source of antioxidants, which as you now know, can be quite helpful (5)!
6. Citrus
These tangy fruits are one of the best ways to get your dose of vitamin C. This is one of the key antioxidants that can also help support your immunity. Apart from oranges and other citrus fruits, you can also get your vitamin C from strawberries and kiwis (6).
7. Yogurt
Yogurt contains something that is known as helpful germs – probiotics. Naturally present in your gut, probiotics can help improve the way in which your body utilizes food. Another one of its crucial roles is that it helps the body ward off infections. In fact, a study found that kids who consume yogurt drinks are 19 percent less prone to ear infections, cold, and strep throat (7).
It is very clear that the food that one consumes has an impact on one’s immune system. And, the same holds true for your little one. So, these are some of the foods that you can try to help boost your child’s natural defense system.
If you can think of some other food that can help, do share with all the fellow moms out there in the comments section below. Happy motherhood!
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