Having a cold or flu is a pain. Muscle soreness, headaches, tired & droopy eyes, scratchy throat and numbness are just some of the common symptoms of these infections. "You can't underestimate the importance of good nutrition when it comes to your immune system," says Karen Ansel, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants — these are what keeps your body strong, and without them you're not giving your body the edge it needs to ward off infection." So if you want to protect yourself from low immunity this season, be sure to check out 8 foods that help fight cold and the flu below. And be sure to LIKE or SHARE on Facebook or Twitter! It’s one step towards wellness. :)
Vitamin C Rich Foods:
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin works as an amazing antioxidant to boost your immunity. Eat red bell peppers, broccoli, papaya, Brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.
Ginger Tea:
Ginger is effective to get relief from sore throat. Ginger contains some antioxidants and antibacterial properties that subdue phlegm and cough. It also acts a mild sedative to pain symptoms. Have a cup of ginger tea, and get relief.
Honey:
One tablespoon of honey will clear your throat and cough. Its antibacterial properties prevents the cough from being exacerbated.
Chicken Soup:
Warm fluids like chicken broth help speed up the movement of mucus. It clears and unblocks the way of your nostrils. Getting plenty of fluids also helps to prevent dehydration. And since chicken soup is rich in protein, it also helps to relieve muscles soreness.
Black Pepper:
Black pepper is the best spice to ward off a cough, so it should definitely make it on your list of healthy foods to stave off the cold and flu. Black pepper controls sniveling, and its is high in piperine, a compound known for pain-relieving properties.
Consume Garlic:
Garlic contains allicin, a compound that helps in protection against microorganisms. Some studies have also shown its anti-microbacterial properties to be highly beneficial as well. Plus, you can add it to soups, stir fries and sauces.
Other Antioxidants Rich Foods:
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants. Carrots, pears, apricots, apples, pears, berries, oats, and oatmeal are rich in antioxidants.
Green Tea:
In searching for immunity boosting food to combat cold and flu, you can’t skip the green tea. Green tea contains L-theanine, an immunity boosting antioxidant. So put on a kettle, and start brewing.
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin works as an amazing antioxidant to boost your immunity. Eat red bell peppers, broccoli, papaya, Brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.
Ginger Tea:
Ginger is effective to get relief from sore throat. Ginger contains some antioxidants and antibacterial properties that subdue phlegm and cough. It also acts a mild sedative to pain symptoms. Have a cup of ginger tea, and get relief.
Honey:
One tablespoon of honey will clear your throat and cough. Its antibacterial properties prevents the cough from being exacerbated.
Chicken Soup:
Warm fluids like chicken broth help speed up the movement of mucus. It clears and unblocks the way of your nostrils. Getting plenty of fluids also helps to prevent dehydration. And since chicken soup is rich in protein, it also helps to relieve muscles soreness.
Black Pepper:
Black pepper is the best spice to ward off a cough, so it should definitely make it on your list of healthy foods to stave off the cold and flu. Black pepper controls sniveling, and its is high in piperine, a compound known for pain-relieving properties.
Consume Garlic:
Garlic contains allicin, a compound that helps in protection against microorganisms. Some studies have also shown its anti-microbacterial properties to be highly beneficial as well. Plus, you can add it to soups, stir fries and sauces.
Other Antioxidants Rich Foods:
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants. Carrots, pears, apricots, apples, pears, berries, oats, and oatmeal are rich in antioxidants.
Green Tea:
In searching for immunity boosting food to combat cold and flu, you can’t skip the green tea. Green tea contains L-theanine, an immunity boosting antioxidant. So put on a kettle, and start brewing.
Try these foods during flu season to keep the cold and influenza germs at bay. Stay healthy! You may also like: A Sensuous Night | Atlanta Ballet's Don Quixote,Upcoming Atlanta Dance Events or Stella Fit | 10 Killer Tips to Shape Up for Spring.
