Everyone relents to the common cold at one time or another especially during the cold winter months. Worse yet, there's no actual cure. So we take a cold pill or two, sniffle on bravely and hope the symptoms will disappear in a week or two. But there's actually more we can do to avoid flu viruses by boosting our immune system. Diets rich in minerals and multi-vitamins, such as Vitamins C and D, could reduce your chances of contracting ailments that cause common colds and the flu.
1. Beef
Beef contains an exceeding amount of zinc, a mineral responsible for the proper function of white and red blood cells. Zinc provides immune boosting properties and is a crucial element to human health. Consumption of beef has shown to block the growth of microorganisms in the body and prevents the growth of viruses which cause colds.
2. Red Peppers
Peppers are low in calories and dense in healthy nutrients. They provide a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps the human body develop resistance against infectious agents. Regular consumption of red peppers powers up your immunity and scavenges harmful radicals from the body. Whether cooked or raw, peppers make a nutritional addition to your diet.
3. Wild Salmon
Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, reduce inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation prevents the immune system from functioning properly which can contribute to colds and flu, including various other serious diseases. Wild salmon is a good source of Vitamin D, which is critical for fending off cold and flu symptoms.
4. Chicken Soup
Chicken itself has flu-fighting properties which could ward off viruses. Hot soup raises the temperature in the throat and nose, which creates an unpleasant environment for viruses that flourish in dry and cool places. Home-made chicken soup has protein groups that have anti-viral activity, thus, fighting off colds and flus.
5. Echinacea Tea
Echinacea is a Native American medical herb which provides nutritional support for a healthy immune system, furthermore, carries antibiotic and anti-fungal actions. Echinacea research has shown that this miraculous herb increases the number of white blood cells, which fight infections, preventing those miserable flu and cold symptoms.
6. Mushrooms
Whichever is your favorite, portobello, oyster or white, mushrooms are loaded with healthy and essential nutrients. Possessing a high amount of Vitamin D, this "fungus" vegetable is a great ally in the fight against respiratory viruses. Mushrooms can increase the production of antiviral proteins to ward off foreign microbes that cause common colds and flu.
7. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits include oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes and grapefruits. These unique zesty fruits offer a high concentration of Vitamin C, which can help with the prevention of viral infections. Citrus fruits may help avert or shorten the duration of common colds. In addition, they may reduce the risk of serious respiratory conditions like asthma.
8. Garlic
Allicin, a major active component found in garlic, increases the body's ability to fight viruses and harmful bacteria. Garlic is classified as a pungent superfood, along with being a powerful flu and cold fighter. This therapeutic herb has been utilized as a medicine, throughout ancient and modern history, for the prevention of infections and diseases.
9. Milk
Most of the Vitamin D that our bodies need is produced when the sun's rays interact with our skin cells. Milk provides an excellent source of Vitamin D (sunshine vitamin), which is essential to building strong bones and reinforcing our immune system. We can relate to milk as a superfood that combats colds and flus due to its high mineral and multi-vitamin contents.
10. Arugula
This bitter, dark leafy green vegetable, provides all the required nutrients that are defenses for cold and flu seasons. Green vegetables raise more infection-fighting white blood cells, creating a barrier against inflammations and viruses.
Arugula makes a beneficial addition to your favorate salads, providing antioxidants and abundant amounts of minerals.
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