7 Immune-Boosting Recipes to Get Through Flu Season

While spring isn’t far away, viruses are still running rampant. Fighting off all the bugs that are going around doesn’t have to mean locking yourself in your house or maintaining a 15-foot radius between you and other people. The right foods can help support your immune system to help you fight off viruses naturally.

A healthy diet may not be able to ward off all viruses, but strong nutritional support could help. These seven immune-boosting recipes look so tasty that you might not even care that they are also nutritious.

Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie via Minimalist Baker

A smoothie can be an easy way to pack in nutrients and start your morning off right. We’ve included this recipe in the list because it includes so many healthy ingredients, including plenty of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods and immune-boosting vitamin C.

Cold Buster Smoothie (and Popsicles) via Baby FoodE

We love this recipe because it was designed with children in mind. While it has vitamin C, electrolytes, and probiotics, most kids will probably just think it’s a tasty treat. And while the recipe is intended for children, we think adults will find them just as delicious. Since this recipe can be used to produce either a smoothie or a popsicle, it’s super versatile. A smoothie could be great for breakfast, while the popsicle may be a good snack or dessert. If someone in your house as a sore throat, they might really enjoy the frozen treat.

4-Ingredient Sugar-Free Elderberry Chia Jam via Daily Flourish

We included this recipe on the list because elderberry is thought to have antiviral properties that could help ward off the flu. If someone already has the flu, compounds in elderberries could also help strengthen the immune response to fight it. Plus, this recipe contains few ingredients, isn’t terribly hard to make, and can be enjoyed however you would eat store-bought jam.

Avgolemono Soup via Closet Cooking

For many people, chicken soup is their go-to food when they’re feeling under the weather. Studies suggest chicken soup may have anti-inflammatory effects, so this tradition could have some benefits. Avgolemono is a Greek chicken soup with lemon. We’ve included this recipe because it can be as comforting as other types of chicken soup, but the addition of lemon works in extra vitamin C.

Mean Green Detox Vegetable Soup via Half Baked Harvest

We like this recipe because it includes so many colorful vegetables that pack a nutrient-rich punch. In addition to the vegetables, this recipe gets extra vitamin C from lemon juice. Spices like garlic and ginger are also frequently linked to fighting viruses and give the soup a delicious kick.

Immune Booster Vegan Ramen Bowl via May I Have That Recipe?

A big bowl of ramen can be so soothing! We’ve selected this recipe because it is rich and simple, but there are plenty of ingredients that might help with viruses. Turmeric, ginger, and shiitake mushrooms are all purported to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Low Histamine Ginger, Lychee & Coconut Black Rice Pudding via The Fit Foodie Mama

This recipe makes the cut because it’s tasty and flexible. You could eat it as breakfast or dessert, and you could adjust the topics to fit your mood. Plus, mango, lychee, and ginger are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, while black rice is rich in antioxidants.

If you have autoimmune disorders or other health conditions, you may want to check with your doctor before adjusting your diet.

What foods do you like to eat during cold and flu season? Share your favorites in the comments section below!