Foods that fight flu

 

 

 

Foods that fight flu

 

 

Garlic, Ginger and Onions:

 

 

Allicin, the major active component found in garlic, is responsible for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Garlic also helps promote healthy gut flora, which rids the body of toxins, bacteria and viruses.  More recent research has shown that garlic's anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity against infections comes from allicin. Allicin is found in garlic when the plant is crushed or chopped.  Onion is the most versatile culinary plant can provide a real health boost to anyone and to reduce the odds of catching a cold of flu. Onions are one of the best natural sources of quercetin, a bioflavonoid that has shown promising potential for suppressing the rhinoviruses which are the underlying cause of the common cold. has been used both as a culinary plant and as a medicine for thousands of years. It is particularly famous for its cold and flu treating powers. It stimulates circulation and helps keep the sinuses and lungs clear of mucus.

 

Chicken Soup:

 

 

The most unusual remedy you'd think. But this is as much effective as the rest of the superfoods.This age-old elixir combines many elements that help speed your recovery. The warm broth not only soothes your throat but helps you stay hydrated, too.  hot chicken soup raises the temperature in your nose and throat, creating an inhospitable environment for viruses that prefer cooler, drier climes. Also, when you cook chicken, it releases the amino acid cysteine, which resembles a drug that is used to treat bronchitis.

 

Sweet Potato:

 

 

They're one of the best sources of beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A), which your body needs to make enough white blood cells to fight off infection. Eat them mashed or baked. While sweet potatoes may not be considered a traditional cold-fighting food, they’re a great source of Vitamin A, which plays a key role in maintaining the health of your mucosal surfaces. Keeping your mucus membranes healthy is key to keeping infections at bay.

 

Grapefruit:

 

Grapefruit is loaded with vitamin C. nlike oranges and many other citrus fruit, grapefruit is relatively low in sugar. Sugar is known to deteriorate the functioning of the immune system: when white blood cells, the defenders of the immune system, are exposed to high levels of sugar, their ability to fight bacteria decrease significantly, making the body more prone to all infections. In addition, sugar depletes the body of some very important cold-fighting vitamins, including vitamins C, E and B.

 

Spices:

 

 

Any kind of spicy food will do a whole lot of good to you when you are suffering from cold. Spicy sauces to help ease congestion. Cook Indian or other ethnic foods that contain these ingredients, or simply add a spicy sauce to foods for extra zing. Spicy foods, whether it is some spicy cayenne or black pepper in your tomato soup will stimulate your body to release the watery fluids in your mouth and nasal cavity, throat, lungs, sweat glands, helping expel the excess fluids that starting flooding out. The piperine in black-pepper is said to help reduce fever and pain.

 

..Divya