10 Anti-Inflammatory Fruits to Strengthen Your Immune System

Last updated on June 7th, 2024 at 08:56 am

With the covid-19 epidemic in full force, now more than ever we need to keep our immune system as strong as we can. This means paying more attention to our diets and what we are consuming while in lockdown.

Did you know fruits can help boost your metabolism and protect your immune system? That’s right, those sweet and delicious produce that we love so much are not just something our parents told us to eat 5 a day to nag us. I actually think it’s now 7 a day because they have found them so beneficial.

What’s your favorite fruit?

My kids aboslutely love watermelon, bananas (what kid doesn’t) and pears! I am more of a pineapple and coconut kind of girl because it always reminds me of summer time. Whereas my husband perhaps dates, lychee, and olives.

10 Anti-inflammatory fruits to boost your metabolism and protect your immune system

1. Lemons

Lemons contain a high amount of vitamin C, soluble fiber, and plant compounds, may aid weight loss and reduce your risk of heart disease, anemia, kidney stones, digestive issues, and cancer. I like to put them in hot water for breakfast to kick start my day.

2. Watermelon

Watermelon is full of hydration and contains nutrients and beneficial plant compounds too. It’s good for your heart and lowers inflammation and oxidative stress. It also may help prevent muscle soreness. I know I struggle from this so going to stock pile watermelon this week.

3. Pineapple

Pineapples are high in fibre, and help improve digestion. Besides their sweet delicious taste, pineapples also are a good source of vitamins and minerals including calcium, manganese, plus vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid.

4. Coconut

Coconuts are high in manganese, which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. It’s rich in copper and iron, which help form red blood cells, as well as selenium, an important antioxidant that protects your cells. I love anything that tastes or smells of coconut. How about you?

5. Granny Smith Apples

Along with hydrating you, Granny Smith Apples can help combat against chronic inflammation, which can lead to diabetes. They are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C as well.

6. Bananas

Bananas are packed full of nutrient including vitamin C, manganese for your skin, potassium for your heart and blood pressure and aid your digestion system. They give you energy without the fat and cholesterol.

7. Pears

Pears are an anti-aging fruit which gives your skin a big beauty boost, whether you eat it or apply it! They are full of fiber, a crucial nutrients. Pears also have vitamin C!

8. Olives

I am not a big fan but might have to start eating Olives. They are very high in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants. They are know to be good for the heart and may protect against osteoporosis and cancer.

9. Dates

Dates provide antioxidants and are good for blood sugar balance. They can help reduce blood pressure and a good brain booster. We love to bake with dates to get the whole family eating them.

10. Lychee

They are tasty, pretty and a great source of antioxidants that prevent early ageing, arthritis, protect from asthma and oxidative stress. I think my kids need to eat more Lychee pronto with us.

At a time we need to be as healthy as possible and protect our immune system, we can choose what to eat to help protect ourselves. Our diets play such an important role to our immune system and it’s hard to stay on top of what we are eating when we are in isolation. So please do add as much fruit as you can to your daily diet.

Guys & St Thomas Private Healthcare are here to help aid you when your immune system isn’t up to par and you need help. They will be sure to care for you as a private patient in the best way possible.