In the past people were used to the flu being common only during the colder months, but today we see a greater threat from viruses attacking us almost all year round. It is always a good idea to get the respective flu shot that will protect you from catching such a dreadful disease, but you can also help your body protect itself by improving the functioning of your immune system further. This is not as difficult as you might think, just include more of these foods in your meals and you will hopefully have a better chance of being protected from the colds and flu caused by different viruses.

You might not believe it but eating cabbage is extremely beneficial for boosting the immune system. It contains a chemical compound known as glutathione which is one of the most powerful antioxidants. It has been proven to help the organisms in fighting all sorts of harmful viruses. The really good thing about this leafy vegetable is that it comes in a wide range of varieties and is available all year round. You can also cook it in numerous ways, such as in a salad, cook it on its own or serve it as a tasty side dish.

The water melon is another excellent source of glutathione, but it can be found abundantly primarily during the summer as it tends to be hard to preserve. Still, you can easily consume plenty of other foods that are full of antioxidants and have powerful immune system enhancing properties. Garlic is definitely one of them. It has been used for centuries for protection from the cold, flu and other diseases and again it can be present in numerous dishes as well as eaten raw. The different types of berries are also rich in antioxidants.

We all know that Vitamin C is a real immunity booster and you can find plenty of it in kiwis, grapefruits and oranges. Vitamin E is also great for improving your body’s natural protection. Nuts are also rich in vitamin E, but you will find it particularly abundant in almonds. A small handful of these a day will give you the amounts your body needs from this particular nutrient. The scientists have discovered that Vitamin D will also aid you immensely. It is found in meat, but also in the dairy products. You can enjoy yoghurt as part of your diet. Still, the best source of vitamin D is from sunlight, just remember to take care as ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer.