Washing your hands and keeping away from people who are ill are the most effective ways to stay well – but eating healthily, and thereby avoiding nutritional deficiencies, is another vital weapon in your immune health armoury. Tuck into these top foods, suggested by nutritionist Angela Dowden, to help give your immune system a boost.

Click or scroll through our gallery to find out what to eat to stay healthy at any time of year, as we count down to reveal the most immune system–boosting food of all.

Our selections and ranking are based on the nutritional profile and benefits of each food, with input from an expert nutritionist.

The best foods to boost your immune system