Between folklore, family recipes and science, differentiating myth from fact among cold and flu remedies has become difficult. While there’s no natural miracle cure, the below foods may be able to help you and your family on your way to recovery.
What are the best foods to help you fight your cold and feel better sooner?
READ: 10 Things To Do When Everyone At Work Is Sick…Except You
Bell Peppers
Though you might not have much luck getting your children to chow down on sliced peppers, it might be a more effective choice than the traditional orange slice. Bell peppers are higher in vitamin C and are water-rich, which will help prevent dehydration.
Water
Water is the ultimate tool for hydration, and you simply won’t recover from a cold or the flu if you can’t keep your body hydrated. Make sure to drink enough water and avoid beverages that dehydrate your body instead, such as coffee.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes might be a surprising superfood, but they are a healthy option for cold and flu fighting, nonetheless. Sweet potatoes are one of the best veggies on the block when it comes to nutritional value, boasting potassium, vitamins A and C, and calcium, all helpful in staying healthy and fighting off cold and flu symptoms.
Nuts
A dish of nuts at your side may help you ward off your symptoms and boost your body’s immunity. But not just any nuts will do. Opt for Brazil nuts, which contain the antioxidant selenium, or almonds, which have plenty of vitamin E.
Garlic
Garlic has become another popular superfood for fighting the flu. Due to component allicin, garlic is known for its ability to help prevent the spread of flu and other infections.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are sources of beta-glucan which can support your immune system. Consider adding mushrooms to chicken broth or soup, another cold and flu staple.
Chicken Noodle Soup
One fact that you can find comfort in is the effectiveness of food, including the long-time home remedy chicken soup. A well-known study done at the Nebraska Medical Center researched whether chicken soup works as a remedy to fight illness and help relieve symptoms. The study found that chicken soup contains a number of substances with healing effects—and the researchers concluded that chicken soup actually does work.
Dark Chocolate
It’s more than just a dessert. Cocoa can help support t-helper cells, which in turn help your immune system fight off infection from colds and flu. So keep a dark chocolate bar handy, just in case!
Lemon
Lemons can help soothe your throat and detoxify your body. Plus, they’re a great source of vitamin C.
Honey
Many consider honey to be one of nature’s best superfoods. It has been proven to help stop the growth of bacteria in a laboratory setting. Honey may also help suppress your cough, should one be present. Consider adding it to warm water or a lightly brewed tea, also reported to help with cold and flu symptoms.
Orange Juice
The vitamin C in orange juice can help your immune system do its best to fight your cold.
Spinach
The antioxidants in spinach can help boost your bodies’ defenses.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a natural superfood that can help your body recover from a cold.
Broccoli
The antioxidants and vitamins in broccoli help fortify you body to fight many different illnesses.
Blueberries
Blueberries are nature’s wonder food, and can help your body stay strong and healthy.
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