As winter approaches, people across the world suffer from seasonal allergies and infections. Most of the populations across the U.S suffer from infections such as common cold. In fact, the common cold is one such viral infection prevailing, particularly during the onset of winter. Of course, it can occur at any time of a year, but most of the people are susceptible to such illnesses during the winter. Including healthy foods in your diet can help combat this condition to some extent. So, pick the right kinds of superfoods that are helpful in combating the common cold.
Here Is The List Of The Top 12 Superfoods To Combat Common Cold
Garlic
Garlic is an incredible superfood and the aroma of it acts as a breath freshener. Include it in the top of your food list to help combat the common cold. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral compounds that help in fighting diseases and illnesses. Consume it raw on an empty stomach to reap the best out of it.
Red Bell Pepper
Red bell peppers are known to have a high dose of vitamin C which acts as a potent antioxidant. Vitamin C in red bell peppers helps boost your immune system, thus protecting your body from cold and illnesses. Also, they contain a good dose of minerals and vitamins that keep you healthy and improve your immune system.
Tea
Green tea or black tea helps treat a sore throat and also breaks up chest congestion. They contain a bunch of antioxidants known as catechins that have cold-fighting compounds that help boost your immunity, speed up your metabolism, thus preventing infections and illnesses such as common cold, flu etc.
Mushrooms
You have a plenty of choices when it comes to mushrooms. Shiitake, Portobello etc. are few healthy varieties you’ll find in the markets. They contain antioxidants that help boost your immunity. Also, mushrooms are loaded with B-vitamins, potassium, and fiber. All together, they help to enhance your immunity levels, thus keeping cold and other illnesses at bay.
Chicken Soup
Soup is a great add-on to your meals and help in treating cold. The ingredients in the soup are highly nutritious and a cup of hot chicken soup will provide you with a healthy dose of protein and other nutrients. The hot vapors from the soup will soothe your stuffed nose and help clear the mucous in it. Also, chicken releases amino acids that help in clearing the mucus in your airways and lungs.
Blueberries
Blueberries are antioxidant-rich foods that help protect your body from the damaging free radicals. Also, they contain nutrients and anthocyanins that help combat illnesses. Consuming a small cup of blueberries can help in keeping cold at bay.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of healthy nutrients that are essential for your overall health. They contain healthy doses of beta-glucans and contain potent antibacterial and antiviral compounds. Also, foods rich in zinc such as pumpkin seeds can help in keeping cold at bay. Include them in your diet either in your salads or stir-fry to keep infections at bay.
Oranges
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C that contains potent antioxidants. They help in combating several viral infections and the potent antioxidants in them help in improving your immune system. Also, it helps enhance the production of the WBC that helps combat infections. Drinking a glass of orange juice can help in preventing infections such as cold.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of probiotics that are good for your digestive health. Including probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir etc. can help boost your immunity system and treat infections such as common cold. However, you need to pick plain non-fat yogurt. Eat a cup of plain yogurt as it helps lessen the incidence of viral infections such as common cold. You can add lots of fruits to make it tastier.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts contain high doses of selenium, one such trace mineral which can help in improving your immunity system and preventing infections such as common cold. This trace mineral helps in preventing the cellular damage caused by the harmful free radicals by helping to form infection-combating T-cells. Also, they contain nutrients such as iron, vitamin C, zinc etc. essential for a healthy immune system.
Oats
Oats are a great source of nutrients and beta-glucans, which are essential for boosting your immune system. Have a warm cup of oatmeal to keep illnesses such as cold at bay. You can add a few nuts and honey for an added taste.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of antioxidants and beta-carotene. Our body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A essential for your immune health, thus preventing illnesses such as cold. Include them in your diet either roasted or boiled.
