Avocado Nutrients & Immune System Nutrition

What is the immune system?

The immune system is an arrangement of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from harmful germs. When bacteria, viruses, and other germs invade your body, they multiply and attack causing an infection. Infections cause diseases that make you sick. Your immune system shields you from illness by combating the invading germs.

Does what I eat impact my immune system?

Your diet impacts the development and function of your body’s immune system. Healthy immune system nutrition requires a few essential nutrients.

Critical vitamins and minerals that play a role in supporting your immune system:

How do I know that I’m getting these critical nutrients to support my immune system?

Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future. To get the nutrients you need for proper immune function, make healthy food and beverage choices from all five food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy.


Fresh avocados are a nutrient-dense fruit.

Why is nutrient density relevant to immune system nutrition?

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, nutrient-dense foods, like avocados, are those foods that provide vitamins, minerals, and other substances that may have positive health effects, with relatively few calories.

Avocados & Immune System

Facts about avocado nutrition and their potential benefits to immune system nutrition:

  • The unsaturated fat in avocados can act as an immune system nutrient booster by helping increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E. Avocados naturally contain 6 grams of this good fat per serving, making them a unique fruit.
  • One serving of avocado provides 6% of the Daily Value for vitamin E, which is a nutrient your body needs to keep the immune system strong against viruses and bacteria.
  • Avocados are healthy and provide a good source of copper, an essential mineral that helps keep your immune system healthy.
  • Magnesium supports a healthy immune system. One serving of avocado provides 4% of the Daily Value for magnesium.
  • One serving of avocado provides 6% of the Daily Value for vitamin B6, which is responsible for helping the body to make antibodies, which are produced by your body’s immune system when it detects harmful substances like bacteria and viruses.