Antioxidants may give a significant boost to individuals' immune health, according to new research out of the University of Michigan. The findings could be particularly important as we head into the winter months.

The research started out when one scientist began wondering why some people get sick while others do not, according to MSNBC. This led him to test the blood of individuals after infecting them with the flu virus.

Alfred Hero found that everyone became infected with the virus, but some participants never exhibited any symptoms. Further investigation revealed that this was because people who had higher levels antioxidants have different gene expressions. This led to a higher functioning immune system.

"There is a behind the scene active immune response even when you don’t get sick," Hero told the news source. "What we found were differences in their biological metabolism and gene expression. These differences had to do with antioxidants."

Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the best sources of immune health-supporting antioxidants, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, these nutrients are also available in nutritional supplements.