Immune Boosting Foods for Seniors

The immune system is an important part of our body. It helps us stay healthy by protecting us from outside invaders that can make us sick. For those of us in our twilight years, a strong immune system is especially important, to fight off bacteria and viruses that can cause a serious infection and result in a hospital trip or worse.

As we age, our appetites tend to decrease which results in eating a smaller variety of foods in our diets. Seniors, and their caregivers, should pay close and careful attention to what goes into our older bodies at each mealtime. That way, we can maximize the benefits we reap from what we put on our plates. There are a variety of foods that improve and benefit the immune system specifically.

Yogurt is an excellent choice when it comes to bolstering the immune system. Yogurt is rich in vitamin D and contains many active cultures of beneficial bacteria that can improve the health of our stomach, helping with digestion and with fighting disease. Adding in some berries will include a shot of antioxidants, helping to eliminate free radicals. Some yogurts are processed before sale to remove the active cultures, so make sure to scrutinize the label to make sure you’re getting the probiotics you’re expecting.

Spinach isn’t just for Popeye, and that sailor wasn’t just spouting nonsense when he ate it for strength. Spinach is packed chock full of antioxidants and beta carotene, vitamins A and C, digestion boosting fiber, iron, magnesium, folate, and more. Spinach also helps to act as a shield for our eyes, protecting against sun damage and age-related macular degeneration. Eating spinach in its raw state maximizes the health benefits, so toss those dark leaves with your favorite dressing for a nice spinach salad.

Broccoli is a great immune booster. Each floret and stem are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. And just like spinach above, you reap the most health benefits eating broccoli raw. Instead of snacking on chips or pretzels, a vegetable platter with broccoli and a dip will satisfy your hunger without leaving your body craving real nutrition.

Blueberries are not only packed with flavor and juices, each one of these sweet treats packs a powerful nutritional punch. Blueberries are high in healthy nutrients and help with cardiovascular health. Blueberries are also extremely versatile. They can be eaten on their own as a snack, or you can mix them in a yogurt parfait with granola for a light meal full of fiber and nutrients.

Green tea is a staple among Asian cultures, who are some of the longest lived people on the planet. Brewing up and enjoying a mug of green tea is an inexpensive and not at all filling way to enjoy antioxidants that enhance the immune system and help with free radicals that can damage cells. Green tea is also much lower in caffeine than black teas or coffee, meaning that you can enjoy it around the clock unless you’re especially sensitive to caffeine.