Seriously Underrated Superfoods That Will Boost Your Immune System This Fall

Ask any wellness insider about the superfoods you should be eating now that cold and flu season has kicked off, and she’ll quickly start on the virtues of kale, organic lemon, ginger and acai berries.

But we’ve all heard that stuff 10 billion times. We’re totally over the fact that lemon juice is packed with vitamin C, and vitamin C is good for your immune system. Got it.

However, there are a few totally underrated foods that can do wonders for your health right now. We’re talking about the humble fruits and veggies you walk straight past on your way to the health foods aisle. They might not be quite as trendy as #kale, but they’re just as powerful.

For some expert insight, we spoke with Washington, D.C.–based dietician and nutritionist Rebecca Scritchfield — you may have spotted her on "Today," Fox News or CNN talking about health and food.

So read and learn, folks. While everyone else in the office is sniffly and feeling sorry for themselves over the coming months, you’ll be glad you followed these tips:

Fact: Basic old green peas deserve more credit than they get: They’re actually a major source of the vitamins that help your body to fight off infections. "Green peas are a good source of vitamins A and C, folate, and fiber,” explains Scritchfield. “Vitamin C helps fight off infection and regenerate other antioxidants in the body such as vitamin E, while fiber helps maintain a healthy gut and keeps you feeling full.”

Fresh peas will last three or four days in the fridge, but Scritchfield suggests keeping a bag of the frozen variety in your freezer and adding them to salads or pasta dishes.

If you found this post a little too late and are already feeling a cold setting in, start munching on cauliflower. This cruciferous vegetable is packed with antioxidants and glutathione, two major power-players when it comes to speeding up recovery.

Scritchfield recommends drizzling florets with olive oil and roasting them with flavorful herbs and spices or dipping raw cauliflower florets in yogurt or vinaigrette for a savory snack.