5 Kid-Approved Foods to Boost Immunity + Recipes!

Germs are no joke. We’re all on high alert at the moment to make sure we don’t get sick and to build up our immune systems in case we do. You can encourage your kids to wash their hands frequently, but it’s also super important that they eat lots of healthy foods that support their immunity.

There’s no denying the link between our immune systems and the foods we eat. People who consume lots of veggies and fruit are likely to be better equipped against illnesses and everyday stress. Needless to say, if you start your kids on a healthy diet from an early age, it will be easier for them in the long run to keep it up and avoid illness later on.

Immune-boosting foods are not hard to find and it’s likely that you’re already consuming many of them on a regular basis. Below, discover 5 immunity-boosting foods with recipes that your kids will love!

Citrus Fruits

This is an obvious one! Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are packed with Vitamin C, one of the best immune boosters out there. Vitamin C works to build white blood cells, which are the first line of defense against invaders like viruses. Luckily, a lot of kids already love orange juice and lemonade; all you have to do is be sure to give them fresh-squeezed. You can also treat them to clementines as a snack or whip up a tangy fruit salad with yogurt dressing.

Broccoli

Getting kids to eat broccoli, on the other hand, can be a challenge. However, broccoli is worth a try because it is filled with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that provide powerful immune support. Perhaps disguise the green veggie in Broccoli Cheese Muffins!

Almonds

If almonds aren’t already a part of your child’s diet, it’s time to introduce them to a wonderful new snack. Not only are almonds a great source of plant protein, they also have vitamin E, manganese, and essential fatty acids. The skins of almonds have also been shown to have anti-viral properties, so buy them whole rather than slivered or sliced where the skins are removed. Serve a handful of almonds on their own or bake into healthy coconut almond granola bars.

Sweet Potatoes

Delicious sweet potatoes are filled with beta-carotene, which increases Vitamin A in the body when it is processed. Vitamin A is essential for immune support, so this food is, of course, a must on our weekly grocery list. A lot of kids love sweet potatoes cooked as a baked potato, but you can also get fancy by making sweet potato fries or a taco-stuffed sweet potato.

Greek Yogurt

Last, but not least is Greek yogurt. Greek is one of the best kind of yogurt because it has lots of live bacteria that are an excellent source of probiotics for your little one. There are also some amazing coconut based yogurts out there too! Probiotics support a strong microbiome, so they are excellent for your gut health and health in general. You can also look for yogurt that has been fortified with Vitamin D, which is a bonus for the immune system. Yogurt can be consumed as is, with granola, or as a Ranch dip served with carrot sticks.

Of course, there are many other immune-boosting foods and spices out there, from turmeric and green tea to spinach and papaya. The most important thing is to keep switching up your kid’s meals regularly so that they don’t get sick of any one food. Remember to choose colorful foods that are packed with vitamins and leave on the skins if possible as these often hold the most nutrients.

Stay healthy!

Everyone’s body has different needs, so feel free to alter any recipes as needed!