Foods that Fight the Cold and Flu
Posted on: November 19, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7
Try these ten foods to help prevent or treat cold and flu symptoms!
- Citrus Fruit– These fruits contain high levels of Vitamin C antioxidants which can reduce cold symptoms by up to 23%.
- Ginger– Not only does this soothe a scratchy throat, but it also contains chemicals that target rhinoviruses which are the most common family of cold viruses. Additionally, ginger contains substances that suppress coughing.
- Honey– This coats your throat and helps relieve pain from a sore throat. Honey contains antioxidants that help fight infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is a widely used food that provides many benefits to the body.
- Chicken Soup– It’s not just a comfort food! There is a reason people eat this when they aren’t feeling well. First, it provides fluids the body needs when it is sick. It also reduces inflammation that triggers symptoms from an infection.
- Yogurt– This food contains bacterium that blocks the replication of viruses that invade your body. By blocking the replication, the body can fight the virus faster and get back to feeling better.
- Garlic and Onions-These contain dozens of broad-spectrum antiseptic and immunity boosting compounds. You can even add these to your chicken soup!
- Mushrooms– These have been part of alternative medicine for a long time because of their benefits. They increase production of cytokines or cells that fight off infections. They also contain polysaccharides which support the immune system.
- Brazil Nuts– Selenium is contained in these nuts which help boost immunity.
- Black Pepper– Pepper ironically makes many people sneeze, but you can actually mix it with ginger and vinegar creating a mixture that will increase absorption of herbal and over the counter medication.
- Red Wine– This contains resveratrol and polyphenols which prevent the multiplying of cold and flu viruses similar to yogurt.
Source: Rodale News
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