Louise Danielle Talabis
Strengthen your immune system with these surprising fruits!
Now more than ever, keeping your health and well-being in check should be in the forefront of your mind.
Aside from following local protocols on the use of face masks, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and getting adequate sleep, healthy eating can also make all the difference.
You probably already know about the wonders of eating oranges and kiwi to support your immune system.
With that in mind, we rounded up 5 lesser-known fruits that can give your immune system a boost during these infectious times.
1. Caimito (Star Apple)
Not only high in Vitamin C, this sweet and milky fruit also contains antioxidants and beta-carotene, which help boost your immune system and keep your eyes healthy.
Star Apple has two varieties which are blanco or white caimito, and morado or purple caimito.
It’s also a great source of Vitamin A—keeping the lining of your digestive system healthy, so it can better ingest and kill bacteria.
Star Apple can be eaten fresh or as a dessert in the form of ice cream or sherbet.
2. Lansones (Langsat or Lanzones)
Lansones, otherwise known as langsat, is one of the best sources of Vitamin C which is important to strengthen your immune system and help you combat illness.
It’s also rich in calcium and phosphorus—keeping your bones and teeth strong and healthy.
Another reason to eat lansone: It’s packed with antioxidants and fiber that prevent the risk of cancer and control blood sugar levels.
Even better, this juicy, sweet, and slightly sour fruit is good for diabetes patients, too!
3. Suha/ Lukban (Pomelo)
Deemed as the largest citrus fruit, this sweet and tangy fruit is another rich source of calcium, phosphorus, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C.
In fact, pomelo provides approximately 600% of the recommend daily value of Vitamin C.
It also contains potassium, and while not an immune system booster, is essential for muscle health. It also helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
Pomelo has fiber, and fat burning enzymes which aid in better digestion and prevents constipation. Great, if you’re planning to lose weight, too!
4. Santol (Cotton fruit)
Cotton fruit isn’t an obvious choice for boosing immunity but like lansones, this spherical fruit has Vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus, fiber — all of which are good for your bones, teeth, and immune system.
It also helps prevent allergies, anemia, diabetes, and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL).
Cotton fruit can be made into jams or marmalades. Its grated rind can be cooked with coconut milk and pork bits for one yummy dish. Experts advise that it’s still best to eat it fresh and raw, though.
5. Melon (Cantaloupe)
Of all the other yellow-orange fruits, cantaloupe stands out when it comes to beta-carotene which, once consumed, is either converted into Vitamin A or acts as an antioxidant to help fight free radicals that attack cells in the body.
It’s also loaded with Vitamins A, C, folate, water, and fiber which are important to create healthy red blood cells, good hydration, and lower the risk of some cancers.
Studies also show that 1 cup of cantaloupe contains over 100% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C.
This article was medically reviewed by Rodrigo Payson, RND.
