Consuming a balanced diet consisting of adequate protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals will help support your body’s immune system.

With the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, many people are concerned about staying healthy and maintaining a healthy immune system. Doing so can benefit your body and boost your defenses against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. On the following, we’ll cover the top immunity boosters foods and fruits to help you and your body stay strong to fight off infections.

Most people turn to vitamin C after they’ve caught a cold. That’s because it helps build up your immune system. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections.

Popular citrus fruits include:

• grapefruit

• oranges

• tangerines

• lemons

• limes

Because your body doesn’t produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health. Almost all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. With such a variety to choose from, it’s easy to add a squeeze of this vitamin to any meal.

Bell peppers are one of her favorite immune-supporting foods, because they’re a great source of vitamin C. Bell peppers are also an excellent option for people who are trying to limit their carb consumption.

Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your table. The key to keeping its power intact is to cook it as little as possible or better yet, not at all.

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which research suggests is important for maintaining the immune system, particularly as we get older. This is because vitamin E is an antioxidant our immune system needs to function properly.

Garlic contains compounds that naturally act to destroy bacteria and infection, which helps support your immune system. Research suggests that consuming garlic may help reduce the risk of becoming sick and staying ill.

Ginger is another ingredient many turn to after getting sick. Ginger may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses. Ginger may also help decrease nausea.

Spinach made our list not just because it’s rich in vitamin C. It’s also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems.

As the coronavirus spreads across the country and the world, you might be wondering how to stop the virus. And while there aren’t foods that can prevent you from contracting the coronavirus, there are ways to make viral symptoms less painful. In the same way you’d do during flu season, now’s a great time to load up on nutrients like vitamin C, as well as to practice hygiene measures like proper hand-washing.

Of course, the best way to stop coronavirus is by practicing social distancing and staying home as much as possible. But you can also protect your body from coughing and sniffles by loading up on immune boosting foods. And while you’re keeping yourself healthy.