Foods High in Zinc that Boosts Immunity
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Foods high in zinc help boost immunity during virus and flu seasons. Find here a compiled list of foods naturally high in zinc, along with a list of activators that help your body absorb it.
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A friend sent me a recent podcast by Michael Savage. He has an earned Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkley in nutrition. Politics aside, he has studied nutrition extensively and is very knowledgeable.
Here is a link to the podcast.
The following list is a summary of bullet points I jotted down as a reminder of foods I want to include in my family’s diet. I thought you might also want to take a look.
I’ve created a download list of these foods to keep in my files for handy reference. I’ve included a download link at the bottom of this post.
Foods High in Zinc
Instead of taking high doses of zinc supplements, here is a list of natural ways to increase zinc in your diet with these zinc-rich foods.
- Oysters
- Alaska King Crab
- Ground Beef
- Fortified Cereal
- Lobster
- Pork
- Baked Beans
- Dark Meat Chicken
Activators That Help Zinc Enter Cells
Activators are necessary to help zinc do its job by penetrating cells. Natural activators to add to a healthy diet are called quercetin and epicatechin.
Natural Epicatechin
- All tea but green tea (he recommends 4 cups a day)
- Carob flour
- Pecans, hazelnuts, and pistachios
- Apples
- Peaches
- Plums
- Blackberries
- Cranberries
- Buckwheat flour
Natural Quercetins
- Capers
- Dill, cilantro, and oregano
- Onions (sweet and scallions)
- Garlic
- Carob flour, bee pollen, chia seeds
- Berries; cranberries, blueberries, blackberries
- Kale, arugula, spinach, radicchio, red leaf lettuce
- Okra and asparagus
- Apple skins, plums, and grapes
- Red wine
More Foods to Add to a Healthy Diet
Plant Foods:
- Mushrooms
- Lemons
- Peppers
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
Vitamins in Moderate Amounts
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
Helpful Foods to Boost Immunity
- Elderberry (read more about benefits of elderberry.)
- Turmeric (read more about benefits of turmeric)
More Foods Containing Moderate Zinc
An excellent article on the benefits of zinc includes more food options, but here is a short list:
- Low-fat yogurt
- Pumpkin seeds
- Milk
- Chickpeas
- Instant oatmeal
- Almonds
- Cheddar cheese
Download Foods High in Zinc
I’m keeping a list of these foods for reference when planning meals. Which, by the way, we’re always doing. Be sure to check out our healthy weeknight dinner menus posted Saturday mornings.
You might also want to take a look at Chicken Noodle Soup with Mushrooms to Boost Immunity and Easy Ways to Build Immunity Through 10 Delicious Recipes and also 10 Powerful Foods That Help Fight Flu.
Or, pin this article on Pinterest to reference later.