Immunity is on the minds of many. We're in a global health crisis after all—one that, according to science, is partly due to Earth's citizens' poor immune and metabolic health.

Foods for immune health are essential allies for fending off opportunistic pathogens, including, yes, viruses. In studying functional virology, one quickly finds research and evidence showing how specific nutraceuticals can bolster the body's immune system to fight viruses. 

Before we get more into that, we should preface this article on the best foods for immunity by mentioning that immune-boosting nutraceuticals are supplements. "Supplements" function precisely as the name implies; they supplement healthy diets, lifestyles, and immune-healthy habits. 

With that in mind, we recommend the ten best foods for immunity.

Best Foods for Immunity and Boosting Immune Health

Garlic  

It's that stinky stuff that we all love! Garlic not only adds flavor to your soups and curries but can also help you while you're under the weather!

A double-blind, placebo-controlled survey containing 146 volunteers assessed whether garlic supplements decreased the length of a cold. The accessories, more specifically, had an ingredient in garlic called allicin, an organosulfur compound responsible for garlic's signature taste and aroma. 

According to the study, those who consumed the allicin supplement reduced the number of colds by 63% compared to the placebo. The average length of colds was also reduced. 

Though other research claims more studies are required to know garlic's efficacy against viruses, it won't hurt to try adding a bit of extra garlic to your cooking!

Oregano

Oregano is another food often used in soups, stews, roasts, etc. It's good to know that oregano may be effective against bacteria and viruses.  

Two compounds in oregano known as thymol and carvacrol have been shown in studies to fight pathogens effectively. For example, in one study, carvacrol was established to "turn off" stomach flu viruses (norovirus) within an hour. 

On the bacterial side of things, research suggests that after thyme, oregano is the most antibacterial herb available. 

‍Chaga Mushroom

They call it the "king" of medicinal mushrooms due to its many immune and nervous system-modulating benefits. If you're looking at medicinal mushrooms that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, the chaga mushroom should be noticed.

Chaga and its companion's reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail, and maitake mushrooms are all known and used for their adaptogenic powers. That is, these mushroom friends help consumers adapt to stress.  

Research points to chaga as a promising supplement for immune support as well. Findings indicate that chaga mushrooms can boost beneficial cytokines in the body. This is important for bolstering white blood cell count to prevent viral and bacterial infections. 

Regarding chaga, quality matters; check out our sustainably sourced Chaga Mushroom Powder Extract for exceptional quality and purity. ‍

Strawberries

Strawberries are packed full of vitamin C, arguably the best-known vitamin for immunity. 

We love strawberries for immune health because there are so many delicious ways to consume them! Try them by themselves, in smoothies, and covered in dark chocolate. 

Did you know that, per calorie, strawberries boast more vitamin C than oranges? These little balls of red deliciousness aren't one of our best foods for immunity for no reason!

Ginger

To many, ginger is that spicy stuff that should exist only as a background flavor in an excellent Thai or Indian dish. After all, it's just so… spicy!

But most people can use more of this potent root in their lives. Recent research has confirmed ginger's role in modulating inflammation and serving as a potent antioxidant.

The study also finds that 6-gingerol, ginger's active "medicinal" component, can lessen symptoms in some autoimmune conditions. Powerful stuff! 

Consuming ideal amounts of ginger can be challenging for some. We suggest steeping whole ginger minced in tea form. If you can hack the taste and spice, eating small bits at a time is semi-manageable!

Green Tea

Green tea is a popular tea consumed worldwide but has roots in Asia. In the health community, it's become famous for its potent polyphenol known as EGCG. 

Researchers believe and have observed in some studies that EGCG has anti-inflammatory benefits. It can improve regulatory T-cell activation.

As with ginger, green tea may prove promising for regulating autoimmunity. Researchers note that this works through epigenetics or the possibility that specific autoimmune-specific genes can be turned off using green tea and EGCG. 

Consuming green tea is as simple as making it into… tea. There are plenty of brands that sell green tea in different varieties. We even sell matcha green tea powder that's ceremonial grade from Japan!‍

Bovine Liver

Indigenous and traditional Chinese traditions for thousands of years have prized organ meats. 

Eating a cow's liver provides abundant nutrients, most notably vitamin A (retinol), vitamin B6, niacin, pantothenic acid, iron, phosphorus, selenium, copper, and vitamin B12. Many of these nutrients play vital roles in bolstering immune health. ‍

Papaya

What an excellent way to start the day. Papaya contains digestive enzymes, vitamin C, and plenty of water for ample hydration. 

Papaya is also commonly noted for its seeds, which research says contain potent anti-pathogenic properties. One 2007 study found that "air-dried…papaya seeds are efficacious in treating human intestinal parasites and without significant side effects.

Again, papaya is a good breakfast food. And even if you don't have any known infections, try eating just a few seeds each time you eat papaya. They're harmless and excellent for preventative measures!

Raw Honey

Raw honey is one of those magic foods for immune health. It contains enzymes and immune-boosting phytonutrients shown in studies to act as an antibacterial and antifungal. It even holds anticancer properties. 

Try consuming raw honey on an empty stomach or slathered on a piece of sprouted bread. Many people worry about honey's sugar content but rest assured that honey contains a glycemic index of 58, which is pretty low. For reference, papaya contains a glycemic index of 60, which is higher than honey.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper has gotten some attention among scientists lately due to its compound known as capsaicin. Studies have shown that capsaicin contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it a popular option during cold and flu season. ‍

Using Immunity Foods Together

Combine a few of these best foods for immunity to make an energizing concoction effective against colds and infections. Try this: 

Mix a minced clove of garlic with some raw honey (about one teaspoon) and cayenne pepper (about ¼ teaspoon). Mix it all and consume it with water. Enjoy staying well!