Latest news with #vitaminC
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I tried the UK's number one skincare brand's new product developed by scientists - here's what I discovered after seven days
Like many working mums, Yvette has little to no time to do her skincare. But she's always on the lookout for new products to try - especially ones that contain go-to skin-boosting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to hydrate, vitamin C to brighten and SPF After hearing the hype about the UK's number one skincare brand No7 's Future Renew range - which sold one product every two seconds when it launched - she was curious to try the brand's latest innovation, the new Future Renew Day Cream SPF15. Much to her surprise, the mum said her skin began to glow noticeably after just seven days of consistent use - a result she hadn't expected so soon. Shoppers can reap the rewards of radiant skin this winter for less - the day cream is currently on sale at Priceline, with the new Future Renew range slashed by 40 per cent. Staying true to the brand's nourishing and 'skin-loving' focus, the groundbreaking formula is made with beneficial ingredients - including hyaluronic acid, panthenol, shea butter, niacinamide, and vitamin C, which work together to deeply nourish and protect against visible skin damage. At the heart of the range is Pepticology, No7 's exclusive peptide blend, developed over 15 years with leading scientists to support the skin's natural self-repair process. The Future Renew range has been created to address the visible signs of skin damage such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tones and textures and the products have racked up thousands of five star reviews from happy shoppers. The iconic UK brand finally launched into Australia last year and since then beauty enthusiasts have been snapping up the Future Renew products in droves and with good reason. Yvette said her skin began to glow noticeably after just seven days of consistent use of the new Future Renew Day Cream SPF15 - a result she hadn't expected so soon. These pictures were taken seven days apart - both without any makeup on The Day Cream SPF15, is the latest addition to the coveted range which includes a serum, night cream and eye serum, to address skincare needs around the clock. From the very first use, Yvette said she was impressed to see the dermatologist-approved face cream delivered all the skincare must-haves in one formula. Not only did the moisturiser leave her skin looking radiant when applied without makeup, but it also cut down on the need for multiple products. 'My first impressions: I love that it contains SPF. It has a thin, lightweight texture and spreads easily, so I only need a small amount to cover the entire face - good value for money. It feels luxe and doesn't leave a white cast,' Yvette told Daily Mail Australia. 'Obsessed with how it's left my skin glowy - but not oily like some serums. It's lightweight enough that I can go about my day without any creams or make-up, and I feel confident doing so. 'It's lightly fragranced, but as someone prone to headaches, it hasn't been a trigger at all. Interested to see if helps the dry tip of my nose and my irritated eyelid in a couple of days.' Over the next few days, Yvette started incorporating the Future Renew Day Cream SPF15 into her skincare and makeup routine. 'The cream has been going on nicely after I apply my serum. It made my primer and foundation glide on smoothly and evenly,' she said. 'I didn't have any breakouts.' Best No7 deals from Priceline 1. No7 Future Renew Day Cream: $40.79, was $67.99 The newest product in the range, this buy includes hyaluronic acid, panthenol, shea butter, niacinamide, and vitamin C, as well as the hero peptide formula this No.7 range is known for 2. No7 Future Renew Serum: $40.79, was $67.99 With the most rave reviews, the serum is undoubtedly the hero product. One rave reviewer shared: 'I'm a 66-year-old woman who's tried her fair share of skincare over the years, so after using this serum consistently for twelve weeks, I can confidently say it delivered visible results.' 3. No7 Future Renew Eye Serum: $26.99, was $44.99 Developed especially for the delicate skin under the eyes users say this problem area was left 'lighter' following weeks of use. 'After using day and night for two weeks, my under eyes are looking brighter and I feel the lines under my eyes have reduced,' on shopper shared. 4. No7 Future Renew Night Cream: $40.79, was $67.99 Dubbed 'Beauty sleep in a jar' this luxurious night cream absorbs quickly without feeling heavy or greasy but leaves skin feeling nourished and hydrated by morning. Shoppers can reap the rewards of radiant skin this winter - the day cream is currently on sale at Priceline, with the new Future Renew range slashed by 40 per cent After using the formula for seven days, she noticed her complexion looked more hydrated and luminous. 'A product that glides on easily and seamlessly incorporates into my daily routine is perfect for me,' she said. 'I like that it works as a standalone beauty product for lazy days or when I'm in a rush, that I can wear makeup over it, or just pop out with it alone for a nice glow. 'I also appreciate that it doesn't feel as serious as using a retinol, which I've never tried and am a bit scared to commit to.' Yvette said she will continue using the Future Renew Day Cream SPF15 after finding a place in her everyday skincare routine. 'I look forward to longer use to see whether it can help reverse other signs of skin damage such as wrinkles and uneven skin tone,' she said. Her only gripe is the lack of SPF in the face cream. 'I would have liked the SPF to be higher than 15, as I wear SPF50 daily,' Yvette said. The new Future Review range includes the Day Cream, Serum, Night Cream and Eye Serum, with one No7 product sold every two seconds in the UK when it launched Future Renew Day Cream benefits Visible Reversal: Helps visibly reduce the appearance of dryness, uneven texture and the feeling of lost elasticity. Intense Hydration: Delivers immediate moisture for up to 72 hours to support radiant, healthy-looking skin. Lightweight Texture: Fast-absorbing and comfortable, ideal for layering under makeup. Dermatologist Approved: Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Damage Protection: Formulated with SPF 15 to help protect against the appearance of future visible signs of damage. Ideal for layering under makeup, the face cream is said to help visibly reduce the appearance of dryness, uneven texture and the feeling of lost elasticity. Delivering intense hydration for up to 72 hours, the 'fast-absorbing' formula helps to support radiant, healthy-looking skin. The Future Renew Day Cream SPF15 is part of the revolutionary Future Renew range, available via Priceline Pharmacy and Adore Beauty. The new range includes the Day Cream, Serum, Night Cream and Eye Serum, with one No7 product sold every two seconds in the UK. Science behind No7's Future Renew range Globally, the Future Renew range has undergone the most rigorous testing in No7's history, with 79 studies conducted across more than 8,000 people, including three clinical trials and 51 user trials. About 47 per cent of the testing group included participants with melanin rich skin tones, ensuring the results reflect a broad spectrum of consumers. ' No7's Future Renew range represents the future of accessible and effective skincare backed by science and World first peptide technology to supports skin's natural self repair,' Dr Mike Bell, Head of Science Research for No7, said. 'The Day Cream continues to deliver on our commitment to innovation, offering everyday skincare to help defend against the visible signs of skin damage that has accumulated over a lifetime.' To shop No7 new Future Renew range, click here. *Consumer study. Users saw a reversal/improvement in: appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven tone and texture, dryness and feeling of lost elasticity. 37 studies on over 4,200 people, including 2 clinical trials on over 70 people. 23 user trials on more than 3,800 people have been conducted. More than half (51%) of the total testing group had skin of colour. 75% of women said their skin felt less damaged after using the Future Renew Repair Serum
Vogue Arabia
a day ago
- Health
- Vogue Arabia
Can Skincare Actually Stimulate Collagen Production?
'Ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and peptides are well-known for this,' he explains. 'Retinol speeds up cell turnover and encourages the production of new collagen, while vitamin C is essential in the collagen-making process. These ingredients work by gently pushing your skin into repair mode, which helps strengthen its deeper layers,' Dr Galadari adds. That said, he also stresses the importance of formulation, as the result largely depends on 'whether these ingredients actually reach the dermis, where collagen is made.' Elsewhere, Dr Hall explains that while some products list 'collagen' as ingredients, the science behind it is far less straightforward than you'd think. 'You would automatically think that by applying collagen your collagen levels will be automatically increased. But in fact, the size of a collagen molecule itself is too large to be absorbed,' she shares. However, Dr Hall also points out that 'collagen has humectant properties like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, meaning that it attracts water and is a very strong hydrating ingredient.' How does topical skincare compare to in-office procedures in terms of stimulating collagen? 'They work on very different levels. Topicals are great for prevention and long-term maintenance, and they tend to support skin health in a gentler, more holistic way,' says Dr Hall. 'Topical skincare should form the foundation of any skincare or anti-aging programme. It is by far the most cost-effective way of slowing down the signs of aging and a good skincare routine really will make a considerable difference,' she adds. According to Dr Hall, 'in-office procedures like microneedling and CO2 lasers go deeper and actively induce controlled injury or inflammation to trigger a more robust collagen production response. Your body recognises the injury and puts itself into repair mode creating more collagen than you started with.' As far as collagen-boosting injectables go, Dr Hall recommends trying 'polynucleotides and Poly-L-Lactic-Acid (PLLA) like Julaine which are biostimulants.' For a more dramatic result, Dr Galadari also mentioned the Morpheus8 treatment, which is 'a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency that reaches the deeper layers of the skin, triggering a strong collagen renewal process.' 'It's particularly effective for skin tightening, smoothing fine lines, and improving skin texture - things topicals alone often can't deliver on their own,' he adds. Collagen supplements vs. collagen-boosting skincare – which is better? 'They actually complement each other really well,' shares Dr Galadari. 'While skincare focuses on stimulating collagen in the top layers of skin, supplements work from the inside out. These usually contain hydrolysed collagen peptides that your body can absorb and use to support skin structure,' he explains.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Why vitamin C DOESN'T cure colds - but here are two others that WILL boost your immunity
No doubt your mother used to tell you that vitamin C-packed orange juice would help ward off colds. You might pop probiotic-packed yoghurts into your shopping trolley to 'boost' your natural defences against illness. Or perhaps you've gone for a run to try to 'sweat out' a fever. There's so much of this kind of received wisdom about how to support our immune systems. But do any of these tactics actually work? I've been immersed in questions about immunity for 25 years. I have studied up close how certain immune cells latch on to cancers and then send toxic molecules to kill them, as well as watching others engulf dangerous bacteria to destroy them. I'm also regularly asked about the best way to improve our natural immunity. Even as an expert I admit it's highly confusing, and there's also a lot of hype around improving immunity. It's all become big business – one UK High Street chain has 276 products listed under 'immune support supplements' alone. Yet not a single one of these products is required to have scientific proof for their claims. And, most importantly, none of us is the same as the next person: the fact is, your immune system is probably the single most unique thing about you. It's not a simple part of our anatomy, it's a multi-layered, dynamic lattice of interlocking genes, proteins and cells. It means we all vary in how susceptible we are to illnesses – and in the symptoms we experience with infections. Which means what might work for one person might not work for another. But from what we do know, some simple truths emerge about how we can really help our natural immunity – and what are simply myths. VITAMIN C WON'T STOP YOU CATCHING A COLD Vitamin C is important to health. A strong antioxidant, neutralising potentially dangerous substances known as 'free radicals' in our body, it also helps us absorb iron, and is involved in things such as collagen production, essential for tissue healing and more. But there's no solid proof vitamin C can cure colds. For more than 60 years, this idea has had a stranglehold on our imaginations – which is largely down to Linus Pauling, a double Nobel Prize-winning scientist who was based in the US. He first championed this theory in the 1960s, after he and his wife took a megadose of vitamin C – some 3,000mg, though our current advised daily dose is just 40mg. They reported that it gave them extra energy and prevented further colds. Pauling then scoured scientific journals, cherry-picking results to fit his idea. In 1970, his best-selling book Vitamin C And The Common Cold was published, claiming everyone's health could be improved by higher levels of the vitamin. And a huge myth was born. However, a 2013 systematic review – which collects data from previous studies – concluded that, for the general population, vitamin C does not reduce the chance of catching a cold. Yet for unknown reasons, people taking regular vitamin C supplements did experience cold symptoms for slightly less time. To be precise, daily vitamin C reduced the duration of a cold by 8 per cent in adults and 14 per cent in children. In other words, for a cold lasting a few days, someone taking regular vitamin C supplements might feel better a few hours sooner. . . . BUT HERE ARE TWO VITAMINS THAT DO HELP Happily, there are two vitamins which can improve immune health: vitamins A and D. We generate vitamin D in our skin with exposure to sunshine, and some from eating foods such as eggs and oily fish. Once in the body, it's processed by immune cells. One of its roles is to dampen the activity of specific immune cells. This might sound like something you don't want to happen, but it's extremely important for an immune response to quieten down when a threat has been removed. If the immune system stayed in a heightened state after a threat was neutralised, there's more chance of collateral damage to the body, potentially increasing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases (such as type 1 diabetes). Low levels of vitamin D are also linked with an increased susceptibility to infections. In 2021, an analysis of 43 trials involving nearly 50,000 people found vitamin D supplements helped protect against respiratory infection – most likely relating to vitamin D being important in the body's response to germs, including the process by which immune cells destroy bacteria. It's probably sensible to take it in the wintertime, as per government advice. As for vitamin A – found in carrots, meat and eggs – it's vital for the development and functioning of many immune cells, and is crucial to our defences, playing a role in the body's production of mucus, which obviously helps us eject germs from our body in respiratory infections, for example in a runny nose. As it happens, most people get the vitamin A they need from their normal diet. TRUTH ABOUT KEFIR AND YOGHURT DRINKS I've been asked many times to promote everything from health stores to a dating agency (as my first book included a section on whether the immune system affects who we find attractive – the jury's still out). Most recently, I was asked to consider promoting yoghurts containing live bacteria. I've never said yes to any such offers because I've spent nearly three decades studying immunology and still don't know the half of its complexities, so it seems unlikely I could ever get behind a simple advertising slogan. Still simple slogans are rife – and probiotic yoghurts or kefir commonly feature scientific-sounding phrases such as 'supports immunity', 'protects against colds' and so on. One reason for this being they contain 'good bacteria' that are apparently beneficial for our gut health. But do probiotic yoghurts really turbocharge immunity? There are two ways live bacteria in probiotics could feasibly support immune health: by acting directly on our immune system, or by affecting the gut microbiome, the community of microbes in the gut that play a role in immunity. There are signs both can happen. In a 2012 study published in the journal Gut, when volunteers were fed a particular strain of bacteria called Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (a billion of them once per day for eight weeks), it increased levels of 'Tregs' in their blood. Tregs are regulatory T cells: immune cells that specialise in turning off other immune cells. They ensure an immune response doesn't happen against something which doesn't warrant it or that an ongoing immune reaction doesn't run out of control. In other words, they help keep our immune system balanced. It's also clear that ingesting bacteria affects the gut microbiome. In one study, probiotic yoghurt consumed by patients who had inflammatory bowel disease changed the make-up of their microbiome. In another study, the negative effect of antibiotics on the diversity of a person's gut microbiome could be avoided if they took probiotics at the same time. However, it's notable that your environment – where you live – may be more important than your diet in terms of gut health. Interestingly, when a hospital in Calgary, Canada, used a probiotic for infants, bacteria from it were often detected in the faeces of nearby babies who had not yet been given it themselves. In other words, cross-contamination can happen in a shared environment. Indeed, some people living in the same place share features of their microbiome. BEING OVERWEIGHT AND THE RISK OF INFECTION Carrying a few extra pounds can affect the immune system because fat cells do much more than just store fat. Perhaps surprisingly, there is a vast array of immune cells that live within body fat. If we have an excess of fat, the immune cells residing within it can become more active. These immune cells can then trigger unwanted inflammation, which in turn increases our risk of disease such as cardiovascular problems or rheumatoid arthritis. As well as this, fat cells produce various molecules, including those called cytokines, which also trigger a background inflammation in the body, which in turn reduces your immunity's sensitivity to a real threat such as an actual viral infection. To make matters worse, people living with obesity produce other kinds of cytokines in an attempt to counteract this unwanted background inflammation caused by excess fat, by dialling down the immune system. Yet the very presence of these other cytokines then works against us if an immune response is needed to fight an actual infection. However, being underweight can be just as perilous for our immune systems for a very simple reason: not getting enough food makes us deficient in all sorts of important nutrients, such as minerals, vitamins, amino acids, cholesterol and fatty acids. HOW FASTING CAN IMPACT IMMUNE CELLS Restricting food entirely for a period to lose weight is hugely popular – but can impact your immune cells. During a period of fasting, we know the human body limits its energy use, which has knock-on consequences for immune health. Indeed, fasting for just one day reduces the numbers of a type of immune cell called a monocyte in the blood. Experiments on mice show these cells moving into bone marrow, where they effectively hibernate to conserve energy. Eating again sees these immune cells immediately mobilise back into the blood. We don't yet know what effect this has on immune health or the symptoms of immune-related diseases, but it's clear the immune system is very much affected by fasting. ALWAYS AIM TO GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP Sleep affects the symptoms of illnesses, and most often this comes down to fluctuating levels of hormones or cytokines. This may explain why problems from asthma, for example, are more common at night, and deaths due to asthma are more likely around 4am. Indeed, unwanted immune responses tend generally to worsen at night, at least in part because cortisol – the stress hormone – is kept low while we sleep, which means immune responses are not suppressed by it. This is important for rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks the tissue lining of joints, causing unwanted inflammation and pain. Again, because cortisol is kept low, inflammation can build up while we sleep, leading to stiff joints in the morning. There's a paradox here, though. If sleep makes symptoms from unwanted immune responses worse, having less sleep should help. But it doesn't. Disrupted sleep is especially problematic and can lead to worse symptoms from autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. AVOID HEAVY EXERCISE WHEN YOU'RE FEELING UNWELL The evidence that hitting the gym helps the immune system is strong, including a year-long study of almost 19,000 people living in Denmark, which established that any level of physical activity correlated with a person being less likely to need antibiotics. And a UK study of nearly 100,000 people correlated exercise with halving the risk of dying from an infection over a nine-year period. Crucially, however, there is a flip side: stress hormones such as cortisol can be produced during exercise, which tend to dampen immune responses. Immune cells also need lots of energy to secrete toxins to attack diseased cells, and multiply in number by dividing. During exercise, energy is used for muscle activity, which limits that available to immune cells. Most doctors, then, advise not to exercise heavily during a bout of flu or in the grip of fever. Adapted from Self Defence by Daniel M. Davis (Bodley Head, £22), published on June 5. © Daniel M Davis 2025. To order a copy for £19.80 (offer valid to 10/06/25; UK P&P free on orders over £25) go to or call 020 3176 2937.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Snag 20% off universally flattering anti-aging tinted SPF: 'The best face sunscreen I've EVER used'
We don't know about you, but we do not love a chalky SPF. Smooth, glow-inducing, moisturizing? That's what a modern sunscreen can do for your skin. Which is why we're wild about the TruSkin SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum. It's super lightweight and breathable, with a gorgeous consistency that blends like a dream. Plus, it's packed with skin-loving ingredients that do so much more than just protect your complexion from the sun. TruSkin SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum Lightweight and hydrating, this is the broad-spectrum sunscreen of your dreams — and it's now 20 percent off for a limited time. With nourishing ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, the zinc oxide formula smooths on like a dream without leaving behind an odor or whitish cast. The serum-like consistency feels lovely smoothed onto the skin, providing nourishment and protection in one go. $19.99 (20% off) Shop Think of this as your multitasking summer superhero. It smooths right on, leaving no unsightly white cast behind, even on deeper skin tones. And the best news? You can snag it right now for an impressive 20 percent discount. It boasts a lovely, universal tint that adapts to any complexion, instantly imparting a dewy, healthy look. Whether you're going bare-faced or layering for a flawless, sun-safe look, you can rely on TruSkin's fan-favorite SPF to deliver for you. The broad-spectrum formula is enriched with nourishing agents that work overtime to treat and nurture your skin. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides go the extra mile to keep your complexion super-soft and smooth, with vitamin C added to brighten and niacinamide for balancing. TruSkin also added prickly pear, an antioxidant and fatty acid-rich ingredient that protects you from harmful free radical damage — which can lead to premature signs of aging — while leaving skin feeling softer and softer. Another key ingredient is sunflower extract. Applying this is basically a natural way of guarding yourself from blue light, moisturizing, and even providing a little extra antioxidant protection. The vegan formula is super good for your skin, as it's been tested by dermatologists, trialled in clinics, and is free of the bad stuff — think parabens and sulfates. Shoppers have expressed that they love how comprehensive it is, without the usual pitfalls that come with sunscreen application (looking at you, odors and white casts). 'The best face sunscreen I've used,' exclaimed one user. 'The color really is invisible and doesn't leave you smelling like sunscreen. It gives you a dewy look. I was worried it would make my makeup run, but nope. Makeup works well with it!' Another proclaimed, 'You will not be disappointed! It minimized my pores, left a healthy glow to my skin without looking greasy, and went on smoothly. Worth every penny.' 'I NEVER write reviews,' said a third. 'This sunscreen is fantastic! I had literally told about five people about it and I've only had it for a week. It does not smell! It does not feel like sunscreen. It's well worth it — I can't say enough!' Find out for yourself why people consider the TruSkin SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum their go-to choice for sun coverage all season and beyond. Pick up a tube while it's on sale for 20 percent off! Act fast though, you never know when this deal might expire.
Health Line
23-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
15 Foods That Boost the Immune System
Regularly eating a variety of nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as citrus fruits, spinach, red peppers, and ginger, may help boost your immune system. While no food can prevent or cure infections or disease, feeding your body certain foods may help keep your immune system strong. If you're looking for ways to prevent colds, the flu, and other infections, your first step could be a visit to your local grocery store. Plan your meals to include these 15 powerful immune system boosters. Food Fix: Immune System Boost 1. Citrus fruits Most people turn straight to vitamin C after they've caught a cold. That's because it may help build up your immune system. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections. Most 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. Popular citrus fruits include: grapefruit oranges clementines tangerines lemons limes Because your body doesn't produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health. The recommended daily amount for most adults is: 75 mg for women 90 mg for men If you opt for supplements, avoid taking more than 2,000 milligrams (mg) a day. 2. Red bell peppers Red bell peppers (100 g) contain almost 3 times as much vitamin C – 128 mg, as a 100g Florida orange – 45 mg. They're also a rich source of beta-carotene. Besides boosting your immune system, vitamin C may help you maintain healthy skin. Beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, may help keep your eyes and skin healthy. 3. Broccoli Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and many other antioxidants, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate. The key to keeping its power intact is to cook it as little as possible — or better yet, not at all. Research has shown that steam ing or microwaving is the best way to keep more nutrients in the food. 4. Garlic Garlic adds flavor to food and has long been used for medicinal purposes. Early civilizations recognized its value in fighting infections. Garlic may also slow down hardening of the arteries, and people use it to treat high blood pressure. Garlic's immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin. 6. Spinach 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 both increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems. Similar to broccoli, spinach is healthiest when cooked as little as possible so that it retains its nutrients. However, light cooking makes it easier to absorb the vitamin A and allows other nutrients to be released from oxalic acid, an antinutrient. 7. Yogurt Look for yogurts that have the phrase 'live and active cultures' printed on the label, like Greek yogurt. These cultures may stimulate your immune system to help fight diseases. Try to get plain yogurts rather than the kind that are flavored and loaded with sugar. You can sweeten plain yogurt yourself with healthy fruits and a drizzle of honey instead. Yogurt can also be a great source of vitamin D, so try to select brands fortified with this vitamin. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and is thought to boost our body's natural defenses against diseases. 8. Almonds When it comes to preventing and fighting off colds, vitamin E tends to take a backseat to vitamin C. However, this powerful antioxidant is key to a healthy immune system. It's a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it requires the presence of fat to be absorbed properly. Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with vitamins and also have healthy fats. Adults only need about 15 mg of vitamin E each day. A half-cup serving of almonds, which is about 46 whole, shelled almonds, provides around 100% of the recommended daily amount. 10. Turmeric You may know turmeric as a key ingredient in many curries. This bright yellow, bitter spice has also been used for years as an anti-inflammatory in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Research shows that high concentrations of curcumin, which gives turmeric its distinctive color, may help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage. Curcumin has promise as an immune booster (based on findings from animal studies) with antimicrobial properties. More research is needed. 11. Green tea Both green and black teas are packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Where green tea really excels is in its levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), another powerful antioxidant. Research has suggested that EGCG may have antiviral properties that support the immune system. The fermentation process that black tea goes through destroys a lot of the EGCG. Green tea, on the other hand, is steamed and not fermented, so the EGCG is preserved. 12. Papaya One small papaya contains 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Papayas also have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects. Papayas have decent amounts of potassium, magnesium, and folate, all of which are beneficial to your overall health. 13. Kiwi Like papayas, kiwis are a rich source of essential nutrients, including folate, potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts the white blood cells to fight infection, while kiwi's other nutrients keep the rest of your body functioning properly. 14. Poultry When you're sick, and you reach for chicken soup, it's more than just the placebo effect that makes you feel better. The soup may help lower inflammation, which could improve symptoms of a cold. Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is high in vitamin B6. About 3 ounces of light turkey or chicken meat contains nearly one-quarter of your daily recommended amount of B6. Vitamin B6 is an important player in many of the chemical reactions that happen in the body. It's also vital to the formation of new and healthy red blood cells. Stock or broth made by boiling chicken bones contains gelatin, chondroitin, and other nutrients helpful for gut health and immunity. 15. Shellfish Shellfish isn't what jumps to mind for many who are trying to boost their immune system, but some types of shellfish provide zinc, a nutrient that supports immune function. Varieties of shellfish that are high in zinc include: oysters crab lobster mussels Keep in mind that you don't want to have more than the daily recommended amount of zinc in your diet: 11 mg for adult men 8 mg for most adult women Too much zinc can actually inhibit immune system function. Frequently asked questions How can you boost your immune system quickly? Boosting your immune system quickly isn't possible, but the sooner you get started with a few lifestyle changes, the sooner you may improve your overall well-being and, ultimately, your immune system. You may want to focus on eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh foods and whole grains, engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, get enough sleep, manage stress with deep breathing or talk therapy, avoid or quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. Boosting your immune system quickly isn't possible, but the sooner you get started with a few lifestyle changes, the sooner you may improve your overall well-being and, ultimately, your immune system. You may want to focus on eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh foods and whole grains, engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, get enough sleep, manage stress with deep breathing or talk therapy, avoid or quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. Does vitamin C increase white blood cell count? Preliminary research suggests vitamin C may be involved in the development and function of white blood cells. It seems vitamin C may improve the reproduction of B- and T-cells, which are important white blood cells for the immune system. The amount of vitamin C needed to increase white blood cells may depend on the condition and overall health needs. More research in humans is needed to better understand the link between vitamin C and white blood cells. Preliminary research suggests vitamin C may be involved in the development and function of white blood cells. It seems vitamin C may improve the reproduction of B- and T-cells, which are important white blood cells for the immune system. The amount of vitamin C needed to increase white blood cells may depend on the condition and overall health needs. More research in humans is needed to better understand the link between vitamin C and white blood cells. How do you increase white blood cell count? To raise your white blood cell count, you may want to avoid alcohol and tobacco and eat a balanced diet. For example, a 2021 study found that the Mediterranean diet had an effect on the white blood cell counts of adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Depending on the cause of low white blood cells, you may also need to take medications like myeloid growth factors. To raise your white blood cell count, you may want to avoid alcohol and tobacco and eat a balanced diet. For example, a 2021 study found that the Mediterranean diet had an effect on the white blood cell counts of adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Depending on the cause of low white blood cells, you may also need to take medications like myeloid growth factors. What foods may help fight viruses? Antiviral foods may include fermented vegetables (kimchi), fermented milk (yogurt and kefir), herbs (oregano, fennel, peppermint, and aloe vera), garlic, ginger, turmeric, black cumin, cinnamon, licorice root, mushrooms, and citrus fruits. Antiviral foods may include fermented vegetables (kimchi), fermented milk (yogurt and kefir), herbs (oregano, fennel, peppermint, and aloe vera), garlic, ginger, turmeric, black cumin, cinnamon, licorice root, mushrooms, and citrus fruits. What foods may help fight infections? Some foods may boost your immune system, while others may help with their antimicrobial properties. This means they may help fight bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that cause infections. Examples include herbs and spices (oregano, cinnamon, clove, and rosemary), cruciferous vegetables (kale and rutabaga), citrus fruits, parsley, and a wide range of other plant-based foods. Some foods may boost your immune system, while others may help with their antimicrobial properties. This means they may help fight bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that cause infections. Examples include herbs and spices (oregano, cinnamon, clove, and rosemary), cruciferous vegetables (kale and rutabaga), citrus fruits, parsley, and a wide range of other plant-based foods. What vegetables are good for the immune system? Eating a variety of vegetables may help boost your immune system. Red peppers, spinach, and broccoli are good choices, as are ginger, turmeric, and garlic. Eating a variety of vegetables may help boost your immune system. Red peppers, spinach, and broccoli are good choices, as are ginger, turmeric, and garlic. Can bananas boost your immune system? Eating all types of fresh fruits regularly may help your immune system function well. Bananas, in particular, contain a substance called lectin. One study in rodents found that banana lectin may enhance the immune system. More studies in humans are needed to confirm whether lectin has a significant effect on the human immune system. Eating all types of fresh fruits regularly may help your immune system function well. Bananas, in particular, contain a substance called lectin. One study in rodents found that banana lectin may enhance the immune system. More studies in humans are needed to confirm whether lectin has a significant effect on the human immune system. Takeaway Fresh foods can provide you with the nutrients your immune system needs to work correctly. To stay as healthy as possible, consider a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, and spices. Citrus fruits, spinach, almonds, papaya, and green tea are good foods to boost the immune system. It's worth remembering, though, that diet alone can't keep us healthy. It's also essential to exercise, maintain a moderate weight, and limit habits such as smoking and high alcohol consumption.
