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 9 Secret Fruits That Support Immune Health:

It may be no surprise that what you eat has a direct impact on your overall health and wellness. In fact, your gut is home to 70% of your immune system. Your immune system is there to protect your body from illnesses and defend you from microorganisms that may cause diseases. But sometimes, your immune system may fail because it has been compromised and is not strong enough to protect against harmful bacteria and viruses.  What can you do to improve and support your immune health? One of the fastest and easiest ways to support your immune health is to make better lifestyle choices and say goodbye to bad habits. Fruits are often an overlooked weapon in the dietary arsenal when it comes to improving your immune health. Not only are fruits delicious and fresh, they are full of everything that is good for your body – from antioxidants to vitamins. If you are hoping to give your immune system the support it needs, here are 9 secret fruits that can help put you on the right path. 

Papayas

Papayas are fruits from the Carica plant family and originally come from Southern Mexico and Central America. Loaded with vitamin C, papayas are an excellent choice to support immune health. A single papaya meets 224% of the recommended daily intake amount of vitamin C. In addition, papayas also contain good amounts of B vitamins, folate, and potassium. They also deliver a healthy amount of papain to your body,  a digestive enzyme that helps keep inflammation at bay. Papayas contain the antioxidant lycopene, which is a carotenoid. As compared to other fruits and vegetables, the lycopene from papayas is absorbed better by your body and works to fight off free radical damage.

Kiwis

Did you know that kiwi is completely edible? The green flesh, black seeds, and brown fuzzy peel can all be consumed safely. These small fuzzy fruits are full of goodness. Kiwis are a good source of vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, antioxidants, and fiber. Since they are grown in multiple locations, kiwis are readily available anytime of year. One cup of kiwi meets 273% of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C, which is exactly what you need to improve your immune health. Studies have found that kiwis improve immune functioning and may ward off cold and flu infections. 

Oranges

Oranges are available throughout the year and contain more vitamin C than any other citrus fruit. They also contain high levels of potassium, choline, folic acid, and antioxidants that may reduce your risk of some cancers. Oranges also promote clear skin, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve heart health. They are sodium and fat free, contain only about 60 calories per orange, and have been linked to preventing kidney stones. Tucked away between the peel and flesh of the fruit, the white pith packs a fibrous punch, and fiber feeds the good bacteria in your gut.  

Grapefruits

Grapefruits are powerhouses of nutrients that include vitamin C and A, fiber, protein, potassium, thiamin, folate, and magnesium. They also have small traces of B vitamins, copper, zinc, and iron which all work together to support immune health and promote healthy skin. Another perk of consuming a grapefruit each day is that it can play an essential role in weight loss, as its fiber content may suppress your appetite, promote fullness, and reduce caloric intake. 

Apples

Apples contain vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, magnesium, copper, and small amounts of vitamins A, E, and B-family. They are also a good source of the plant compound polyphenols and fiber, which are mainly concentrated in the skin of the fruit. Apple skin contains a flavonoid called quercetin, which directly supports the functioning of the immune system and controls inflammation in the body. An apple a day has also been linked to lowered risk of a number of conditions including diabetes, cancer, and asthma. 

Blueberries

Blueberries combat free radicals in the body because they contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants – this is why they are also placed extremely high on the ORAC scale. Blueberries boast high levels of pterostilbene which makes them a great ally when it comes to fighting off colds, flus, and promoting good immune health. Research finds that when paired with vitamin D, the pterostilbene works even better to fend off colds and other illnesses. 

Pears

Pears are bell-shaped beauties that are full of nutrients. There are a number of different varieties of pears around the world including popular choices like Bartlett and D’Anjou. Along with immunity-supporting vitamin C, vitamin K, and provitamin A, pears also contain potassium, copper, folate, and polyphenol antioxidants. The skin of the pear has six times more polyphenols as the flesh, so avoid only eating skinned pears. Pears have been linked to improve immune, heart and gut health, as well as lowered risk of diabetes and cancer.

Pomegranates

The pomegranate has long been studied by experts for its myriad health benefits. Full of antioxidants, pomegranates are believed to help fight cancer, improve fertility, and support the immune system. The deep red color of pomegranate seeds comes from polyphenols which contain powerful antioxidants. Along with 40% of your recommended daily requirement of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, and potassium, pomegranates also offer three times more antioxidants as compared to green tea and red wine. Pomegranate juice is also great for the gut as it aids the digestive process and reduces gut inflammation. 

Coconuts

Coconut oil has a medley of fatty acids that are proven to have a number of health benefits, such as aiding fat loss, improving brain function and heart health, and supporting immune system functioning. Whether you choose to eat the white flesh of the fruit or consume coconut oil, you can bank on reaping the benefits from this nutrient powerhouse. Not only does coconut oil have antimicrobial properties, it is also useful in fighting off illnesses like pneumonia. 

Build the Foundation of Lifelong Health

Adding the right fruits to your daily diet is a great first step in promoting good immune health. Always remember that what you eat has a direct impact on your immune health and wellness because your gut is home to 70% of your immune system. In addition to fruits, consider adding LoveBug Probiotics Immune Support supplements to your daily diet. The supplement delivers a powerful punch with a proprietary blend of 5 targeted probiotic strains, added zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea. It is the supplement you need to enhance your immune system to protect you from illnesses, seasonal colds, and other diseases. 

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