Thought chicken soup was the only food that helps fight the common cold? Well guess again. The viruses that cause the common cold and flu (also called influenza) don’t respond to antibiotics, and common over-the-counter cold treatments don’t actually shorten or prevent a cold or the flu.
“Think of foods as more of an insurance policy, as a preemptive strike against winter’s cold viruses,” says Karen Gibson, RD, a dietitian at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. “Unfortunately, cold viruses are very contagious, and even the healthiest of individuals can contract a cold. Even so, foods can offer some assistance in preventing a cold by helping you develop and maintain a healthy immune system.”
Fruits and vegetables help build your immune system, so “eating your colors” like red, orange, yellow, dark green and purple, works best. That means you should stock up on tomatoes, red and green peppers, squash, spinach and blueberries, among others. Nutrient-rich foods will help keep the sniffles at bay during cold and flu season which lasts from September through May.
The Top 10 foods to eat are:
100 percent orange juice
Pure orange juice, like other citrus fruits, is known for Vitamin C content. Due to this high amount of vitamin C, oranges help in absorbing calcium into the body and maintaining the health of teeth and bones. They also contain vitamin A and vitamin B, and minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and sulfur. The nutritional value of oranges helps them fight indigestion, constipation, bowel disorders, bone health, heart diseases, respiratory problems, cold, cough, influenza, skin care, pimples, acne and fever.
Avocado
Avocado is well known for its high vitamin K and vitamin A content. It also contains small amounts of vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, biotin, and folate. Avocado is a fat-rich fruit having a fat content of about 23%. It contains dietary fibers and is rich in minerals such as copper, magnesium, manganese, and contains some amounts of iron, calcium, iodine, selenium, zinc and phosphorus. The nutritional value of avocados also makes it good for indigestion, hair care, heart health, skin care, psoriasis, and bad breath.
Spinach
Spinach is a source of vitamins like folate, niacin, vitamin A, B6, C and traces of rest of the vitamins. Other important elements, including thiamine and riboflavin, that are used in various reactions in our body are also found in spinach. Health benefits include good eyesight, stabilizing blood pressure, strengthens muscles, neurological benefits, bone mineralization, anti-ulcerative, aids skin protection, helps fetus development, and it is protein rich for infant’s proper growth.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a good source of calcium and iron. They also contain some amounts of phosphorus, sulfur and potassium. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and contains some vitamin B and vitamin A. The vitamin C content increases as the vegetable ripens. The nutritional value of tomatoes makes them good for weight loss, eye disorders, urinary tract infection, liver disorders, jaundice, indigestion, morning sickness, constipation, diarrhea, intestinal disorders, and diabetes. They also help cleanse the body of toxic compounds.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6, beta carotene, and folic acid, Bell peppers boost immunity and guard against a range of ailments including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Broccoli
The substances responsible for green and purple color of broccoli, vitamin C, beta-carotene and other vitamins and minerals, particularly selenium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, etc., present in broccoli are really great immune-strengtheners. They protect you from numerous infections.
Garlic
It has the vital chemical compound allicin that is the wonder therapeutic ingredient for its medicinal qualities. The allicin compound contains sulfur, which gives the garlic its pungent savor and peculiar smell. The health benefits of garlic are innumerable. It helps fight heart ailments, fight cold, cough, lowering the blood pressure level.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a vitamin C citrus fruit, full of nutrients, vitamins, potassium, lycopene, as well as calcium, sugar and phosphorous. Grapefruit is a valuable remedy for influenza as it helps to minimize acidity from the system.
Lean meat
Lean beef adds to health benefits related to heart and prevention of cancer. Beef is an important source of protein and one of the best sources for vitamin B12, vitamin B6, niacin and riboflavin. It is also rich in thiamin and contains small amounts of vitamin E, vitamin K and folate.
Yogurt
A rich source of calcium and vitamins, it aids in maintaining healthy teeth and bones. Yogurt is beneficial for maintaining cholesterol levels in the body and preventing ailments like hypertension and it boosts immunity.
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Nutritional facts found at Organic Facts.
