You can’t beat beets, especially during sniffle season — this winter staple is a serious superfood, especially when it comes to immunity. Beets of all shades are loaded with vitamin C, zinc and other nutrients known for bolstering the immune system, and they’re particularly high in betalains, pigment-lending compounds with powerful antioxidant properties, says Joy Bauer, RDN, author of Joy Bauer’s Superfood!.

And don’t discard those stems and leaves — they’re a bonus source of nourishment and are rich in vitamins K and A, as well as calcium and potassium. “I love that beets are edible from their leafy greens all the way down to their bulb roots,” Bauer says. “I like to sauté leaves like you would spinach, I add the roots to salads or sandwiches, and you can even blend a beet into your fruit smoothie (raw or cooked, your choice!).”

Here’s a time-saving tip: Check the produce section for convenient vacuum-sealed pouches of cooked, peeled beets that are ready to eat!