Which Foods To Fight Colds And Flu
Author: Alexander Bruni
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Each food group contains at least one with proven cutting effects against flu and colds ...
They say that what you eat looks like. This sentence remains true about our illnesses. If we eat healthily, we provide our body with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, with which it builds its defenses against colds and flu. Each food group can provide similar products, so here we will not limit ourselves to the well-known advice - eat more fruits and vegetables.
Why is fish also useful against the flu?
Useful in this case are oily fish , as they are rich in omega-3 . These fatty acids are known for their ability to suppress inflammatory processes. The body is constantly running those that it copes with. Even in cases of chronic disease, the presence of omega-3 can only make it easier for the body to maintain its normal functions and fight against microorganisms.
A 2011 study published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity showed that with just 3 months of omega-3 intake, levels of inflammatory agents and anxiety symptoms decreased - and anxiety also "kills" immunity.
Zinc again, but in its natural form
Zinc is popular for its effect in fighting colds and flu. A Canadian study from last year showed that taking it reduces the duration of the disease. The most suitable source of zinc remains food. Oysters are especially rich in it . However, it is recommended to be consumed after heat treatment.
Why garlic after all?
Garlic is an ingredient that is widely present in Bulgarian traditional cuisine. Despite its unpleasant odor, it is good, especially during the seasons of frequent infections, to be consumed regularly. Allicin in it has a strong antibacterial and antioxidant effect, which helps against colds and shortens the onset of symptoms, according to a study published in Advances in Therapy in 2001
Aromatic anise cough
seeds of anise carry antibacterial effect, which can be seen in the fight against infections of the upper respiratory tract. Anise tea is the most successful way to soothe a cough with this herb. It also acts as an expectorant. The American Pharmaceutical Society's Practical Guide to Natural Medicines gives the following recipe with anise as effective for coughs : a glass of crushed anise seeds is poured into a glass of boiling water and garlic, cinnamon and honey are added. The decoction is drunk three times a day.
Citrus fruits are one of the richest sources of vitamin C., which makes them an indispensable assistant in the treatment of colds and flu. By eating them at the first suspicion of illness, we significantly reduce the risk of deteriorating our health.
Blueberries contain one of the most active antioxidants - anthocyanins, which was scientifically confirmed in a study by Cornell University in 2007.
And why not fight the flu with chocolate ...
Dark chocolate is good because of the polyphenols and zinc contained in cocoa. However, in order to reduce the side effects of other ingredients such as sugar and saturated fats, one should choose one with a minimum of 70% cocoa content and eat no more than a row a day.
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