20 Immune-Boosting Anti-Inflammatory Keto Foods
Because keto places an emphasis on nutritious, anti-inflammatory foods, your body doesn't have to constantly get rid of toxins. This frees your immune system up to focus on removing the viruses and bacterias that cause colds or the flu.
Having a strong immune system can prevent you from getting sick, lessen your symptoms, and shorten the duration of your illnesses.
Here's a list of 20 immune-boosting keto foods that can help you stay healthy!
1. Broccoli
There's a reason broccoli is considered a superfood by many health experts. It contains a powerful antioxidant called sulforaphane, as well as essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and iron—all of which can help boost your immune system [2].2. Garlic
People have been using garlic for hundreds of years to treat illnesses. It contains a compound called alliin, which has been shown to help reduce inflammatory signals in the body [3].It's also a versatile spice you can use in soups, stir-fry dishes, and other keto-friendly recipes.
3. Ginger
Like garlic, ginger has been used for therapeutic reasons for many centuries. Multiple studies show that it can treat ailments like colds, nausea, arthritis, migraines, and hypertension [4].Fresh and powdered ginger both work, so you have options as to how you want to incorporate it. Add powdered ginger to a smoothie or add fresh ginger to a soup or broth. It’s also popular in hot tea.
4. Turmeric
Much has been made in recent years of the health benefits of turmeric. Like garlic and ginger, it's another ancient herb that's gaining popularity because science is showing how good it is for us. Turmeric powder contains curcumin, a powerful compound full of antioxidants that reduce tissue inflammation and regulates your immune system [5].5. Spinach
A good rule of thumb to follow: if it's green and natural, it's probably good for fighting off the cold and flu. That's because spinach, like broccoli and a few other green items on this list, is full of phytonutrients that keep your systems running optimally.It's full of niacin, zinc, and fiber, the latter of which promotes good gut health, which is essential for preventing disease and illness [6].
6. Mushrooms
Mushrooms also help with immunomodulation, which is the regulation and maintenance of a healthy immune system. Compounds inside of these fungi affect stem cells, white blood cells, and other cells that help keep your body free of foreign objects [7].7. Almonds
If you're on keto, you already know that almonds are full of healthy fats and proteins. You may not know they also give your immune system a boost. A 2010 study found that the skins of almonds, in particular, have a powerful antiviral effect [8].8. Green and Black Tea
Both green and black teas are full of flavonoids, an antioxidant that fights free radicals in the body and reduces tissue inflammation [9]. Tea can also help soothe symptoms if you're already feeling a cold coming on, so it's always good to have some on hand.9. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts come from an enormous tropical tree, and are one of the richest sources of the mineral selenium found in nature [10].Selenium is an antioxidant that, like flavonoids and others on this list, helps reduce the effects of oxidative stress in the body. This enhances your immunity to viruses and bacterial infections, and also has a powerful anti-aging effect on the body.
10. Olive Oil
As a keto dieter, olive oil is probably a staple of your diet. It's one of the healthiest oils you can use to cook with, along with coconut oil and avocado oil.Perhaps you know that olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats. These are extremely heart-healthy and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. But olive oil also reduces inflammation, which can help protect you from colds, the flu, and even various types of cancer [11].
11. Sardines
Sardines are an oily, cold-water fish. These types of seafood are often rich in EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3 fatty acids that are good for brain health and immunity [12].For such a small fish, they actually pack quite a nutritional punch. Sardines also contain minerals like phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, and selenium.
12. Blueberries
There's a reason immune-boosting smoothie recipes often contain blueberries.These low-carb fruits are a rich source of anthocyanins, another antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and reduces tissue inflammation [13].
They also contain rich amounts of fiber and varying amounts of more than 10 essential vitamins and minerals [14].
13. Salmon
Salmon is another coldwater oily fish that's packed with EPA and DHA. Like sardines, it can help reduce inflammation and improve your body's health.A 3-ounce piece contains over 18 grams of protein, so it's a great food to eat after exercising [15]. (And if you're trying to boost your immunity, working out regularly is important.)
Salmon pairs well with lemon, which is also an immune-booster [16].
14. Poultry
There's a reason that chicken soup is the cliche food item for fighting illnesses.Along with protein, chicken contains niacin, B vitamins, selenium and phosphorus [17].
Try slow-cooking the whole bird. This way you get a rich bone broth full of vitamins, minerals, and collagen to cure your cold symptoms!
15. Greek Yogurt
Full-fat Greek yogurt contains probiotics, which are live bacteria that promote a healthy gut [18]. Your gut is home to billions of tiny bacteria, all of which need to be fed to stay happy and healthy.As it stands, science is only on the cusp of understanding how deeply connected a healthy gut is to maintaining homeostasis and immune system health [19].
16. Strawberries
Here's another low-carb, keto-approved berry you can eat to ward off the common cold.Like blueberries, strawberries are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote overall health.
There are about 8 grams of net carbs per cup of strawberries, so limit your intake to one or two cups if you're on a ketogenic diet [20].
17. Oysters
Interestingly, oysters are one of the most well-researched foods when it comes to immunity. These tasty molluscs have a powerful antiviral response in humans, and also contain vitamin A, C, E, and zinc [21].18. Raspberries
Rounding out the low-carb berry list, raspberries are another low-carb favorite. One cup actually contains more fiber than blueberries or strawberries [22]. At about 6 grams of net carbs per serving, they're perfect for low-carb, paleo, and keto diets.19. Kale
Remember the rule from earlier? If it's green, it's probably good for immune system health.The same goes for kale, which is packed with flavonoids, a powerful antioxidant also found in tea and Brazil nuts [23].
20. Acai Berries
You might debate your friends on how to pronounce the name of this superfruit [it's “ah-SAH-ee”], but there's no debating the powerful immune benefits of this berry.One of the sugars in acai berries has been shown to increase T cell production [24]. T cells are a powerful white blood cell that largely contribute to the immune system response.
Want More Immune-Boosting Keto Foods?
So now that you have a list of the best low-carb immune-boosting keto foods, why not head over to KetoLogic's recipe section for creative, delicious ways to put these foods to use. Your immune system will thank you!
-
Posted in
Authority Article, Keto Foods, Nutrition, Nutrition Article
