Cold weather is for fires, fuzzy socks and warm comfort foods but at the same time, it always increases the chances of us catching nasty colds, which put a damper in everything. Even in the warmer climates, flu season exists and seems to claim dozens of victims every year.
One of the best ways people deal with the common cold and flu is getting a vaccination to keep it at bay. On top of this, food is one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy because a lot of it possesses qualities that boost your immune system and stops you from getting the sniffles. The key is knowing the right foods to incorporate into your diet to the benefit of your body.
Citrus Fruits
As soon as the weather takes a turn for cold, stock your house up with oranges, lemons and grapefruit. These and other citrus fruits are packed with Vitamin C, which works wonders for your immune system and keep the sniffles away. Try eating at least 3 oranges a day, or a grapefruit with breakfast and having tea with lemon slices in it.
Honey
Raw honey is incredibly powerful when it comes to keeping you healthy during flu season because of its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. As a result, it is used to heal wounds and also combat infections. Instead of sugar in your tea, opt for honey instead to get the most out of each cup you drink.
Pomegranate
Like citrus fruits, pomegranate contains Vitamin C which makes it incredibly effective when it comes to fighting infections. It is also possesses antioxidant properties so drinking pomegranate juice and including the fruit in your fruit salads will go a long way for your immunity levels.
Garlic
Garlic is a godsend for the fight against the cold as it possesses the ability to greatly reduce your chances of becoming infected. It has long been heralded as an antibiotic, especially when it is consumed in raw form or mixed in curries and stews. Not to mention, it also keeps the vampires away which doesn't hurt.
Chili Peppers
Hot food is perfect during flu season because it keeps us nice and warm but adding some chili peppers to your meals actually works to prevent colds because they contain capsaicin. Capsaicin is a natural antioxidant which boosts blood circulation and also combats any harmful toxins in your body. Chili peppers also contain a whole lot of Vitamin C so it won’t just keep you warm, but it will also keep the cold at bay.
Cinnamon and Ginger
Cinnamon is a powerful antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial which makes it an important addition to this list. It boosts circulation and also fights any pathogens that cause illness. What’s wonderful about it is its versatility. Cinnamon is just as good in your morning oatmeal as it is in your afternoon tea.
Ginger has been utilized for thousands of years as a painkiller and in the fight against colds it works wonders for sore throats and reduces fever. The root also contains shagaols and gingerols which stimulates blood circulations and encourage the opening up of your sinuses. Ginger can be consumed as part of a tea or you can add it as flavoring to soups and stews.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D which comes in the form of selenium which helps to increase the cytokines which helps to fight off any sicknesses. Mushrooms also contain a fibre beta glucan which also helps the body defend itself against any infections.
Water
It might seem ironic to drink water to stop you from getting a cold but being hydrated is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Water doesn’t just flush toxins from your body but it also stops viruses from taking hold in your body. From good skin to good health, the benefits of water are endless so you should have at least 8 glasses of it every single day and add a wedge of lemon to your glass to add some Vitamin C.
Your health is only as good as the food you eat, and this is especially true during the flu seasons where more people catch colds and get sick. The key to getting through the cold without catching a cold is employing different methods to keep you happy. This includes preventative measures like getting a vaccine and also eating foods that contain the right nutrients and vitamins to boost your immune system and also stop the infection from taking hold in your body. All it takes are a few additions to your meals and you won’t get weighed down by the sniffles.
Comments