This year marks the beginning of humanity’s plight and struggles, yet, in the 21st century. Unlike any other war, it isn’t a fray among numerous states, but a battle of all steadfast nations against one enemy that can never be seen—the Coronavirus-19. This virus primarily targets and weakens the respiratory system, and that a robust immune system can only endure. 

Today, a well-nourished immune system is an excellent investment. It highly ensures that the body cannot easily acquire diseases, especially health risks that lurk oblivious to the naked eyes. If you’re seeking a practical yet effective method of boosting your immune system, eating health-boosting fruits is one of the many ways. Since there’s a wide array of fruit selections, we narrow down your options into the best-buy fruit choices. 

It is indeed that an apple a day keeps the doctor away because of its plethora of health benefits. The edible fruit is produced by an apple tree (Malus Domestica) that typically grows better in colder regions. This fruit can be best eaten when it still has a succulent, firm, and crispy flesh. 

 

There are various types of apples available in the market which can be part of a healthy diet. A single apple contains 14% of vitamin C, an agent that strengthens the immune system. Moreover, it is bountiful in copper, manganese, and vitamins A, E, B1, B2, and B6. While there are people who dislike and remove the apple skin,  it is recommended to keep it since it is rich in fiber and flavonoid quercetin for immunity.

 

 

2. Citrus Fruits

 

The oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits belong to the genus Citrus of the family of Rutaceae. This vibrant, sweet, and tangy fruit-bearing tree is first grown in the Southeast Asian regions but was probably widely cultivated in New Caledonia and Australia. Although its cradle is still unknown, many cultures use its fruits and parts for medicinal purposes.

 

Citrus fruits contain a high vitamin C source, useful for maintaining glowing skin and immune system. In fact, a single medium-sized orange has the amount of vitamin C that your body needs in a day. Further, this type of fruit is abundant in plant compounds that include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects, evident in modern and olden medicinal practices.

 

3. Berries

 

Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries are just some of the berry families’ many fruits. These plumpy, juicy, and tart berries mostly flourish in cold places such as European and American countries. While it is already satisfying to eat freshly-picked berries, people usually preserve the fruits to spread on bread and add complex flavors to salad dressings. 

 

Berries don’t only taste sumptuous to the palate but also provide vitamins and minerals that the body needs. The berries carry vitamin C and antioxidants (anthocyanins and flavonoids in the berries skin pigments), which intensify the immune system’s regulation and contribute to the production of cells that fight bacteria and viruses that are alien in the body.

 

 

4. Papaya

 

If you love tropical flavors, then papaya fruit is the right choice. Papaya, also known as papaws or pawpaws, typically grows in hot countries in Southeast Asia and Pacific regions. Before, this fruit was considered exotic and rare, but it’s now available all year round due to increasing demands. 

 

Behind its festive color and sweet flesh lie numerous health benefits.  Medium-sized papaya can contain beneficial antioxidants, similar to tomatoes, such as alpha and beta-carotene, B vitamins, zeaxanthin and lutein, lycopene, calcium, etc. This fruit can also be enjoyed as a smoothie component for hot summer days and appropriate for picky-eating children.