Top Foods to Combat Colds
If you’ve ever had a common cold, you’ll know the feeling of misery that it brings with it. To avoid that horrible feeling and all of the nasty side affects that come with having a cold, it’s important to do your best to combat catching a cold as best you can.
With winter just around the corner, this couldn’t be more important than it is right now. If you are one of the unlucky ones and have failed to prevent yourself from a cold or flu this season then you have come to the right place. We know just what to do to help you feel better soon.
Maintain a diverse diet
Your daily diet is the most important factor when it comes to fending off germs and illnesses such as the cold. No single food group has the power to protect against illness. You need to combine foods from different groups to keep you healthy.
This is why it is so important to eat a varied diet each day and consume all of the vitamins your body needs. Your immune system needs to be strong if you’re going to be successful in fending off that cold, and it’s the fuel that you give your body that will determine how strong your immune system is.
Foods to boost the immune system
- Yogurt is a delicious way to introduce a dose of good bacteria into your body. Good bacteria will line your intestines to help fend off invading germs. They are called probiotics and studies show that eating yogurt will lead to an improved immune system by increasing the body’s healthy white blood cell count.
- Turmeric is an amazing spice with very strong cold and flu fighting properties.
- Garlic is the most widely used plant worldwide and, as it’s a natural antibiotic, it has huge medicinal properties.
- Red peppers, oregano, green tea, ginger and broccoli will also serve to help your immune system on a daily basis.
- Beef is a great source of zinc and zinc plays a vital role in the development of bacteria-fighting white blood cells.
Vitamin C foods for colds
Vitamin C is widely known for its ability to fight and heal infectious diseases. The following Vitamin C rich foods should be on your shopping list if you want to increase your chances of not catching a cold this winter:
- Green bell peppers
- Sweet potato
- Citrus fruits
- Butternut squash
- Kale
- Papaya
- Strawberries
- Brussels sprouts
- Dark leafy greens
- Cauliflower
- Herbs such as parsley, basil and chives
Make sure that your body is ready for the cold months of winter that lie ahead of us by eating the above foods. As well as the foods that we’ve listed, be sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet that will give your body all of the required nutrients that it needs to function at its very best.