Following a healthy lifestyle is the most important thing you can do to keep your immune system strong and healthy.  A healthy lifestyle includes, exercising regularly, weight management, a balance eating plan, adequate sleep and stress management.

General food sources to strengthen your immune system:

Beta Carotene is found in plant foods, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, mango, broccoli and tomatoes, pumpkin, apricot.

Vitamin C – rich foods include citrus fruits, berries, melons, tomatoes, bell peppers and broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts.

Vitamin D is found in fatty fish and eggs. Milk and 100% juices that are fortified with vitamin D also are sources of this important nutrient.

Zinc tends to be better absorbed from animal sources such as beef and seafood, but also is in vegetarian sources such as wheat germ, beans, nuts and tofu.

Probiotics are “good” bacteria that promote health. They can be found in cultured dairy products such as yogurt and in fermented foods such as kimchi.

Protein comes from both animal and plant-based sources, such as milk, yogurt, eggs, beef, chicken, seafood, nuts, seeds, beans, peas and lentils.

Fiber – beans, peas, lentils, seeds best sources.  Fruits/vegetables with edible skins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high fiber cereals.

This is not an inclusive list, visit nutrition.gov for additional information.

Contributed by Ms. Lois Durant