Foods To Fight Cold And Other Ailments

We’ve heard that food is medicine, but what you may not know is that all foods are not created equal. Some foods work as antioxidants, while others function as energy providers, and others as bodybuilders, among many other roles. Today, we turn our focus to foods that help boost our immune system.

It’s been advised countless times since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 to eat immune-boosting foods that will help fight against colds among other preventive measures. With the state of global health, most people have gone from rolling their eyes anytime they’re told to replace that fast food with a fruit or vegetable (or both) to actually going out of their way to stock up on fruits and veggies. How the world can change in the snap of a finger! And with that change goes our dietary preferences, which you can blame on survival instincts. (Hey, ain’t nobody trying to die young). This is the time we need to start taking notes from veteran vegans and workout enthusiasts about foods to boost our immune system and our well-being in general.

We’ve heard that food is medicine, but what you may not know is that all foods are not created equal.

Here are 7 handy immune-boosting foods to add to your diet…

#1. Ginger

Ginger is one food that many turn to once sickness hit, especially in cases of cold, flu, and the like. This is because ginger may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce sore throat and inflammatory illnesses. This food could also help with nausea. Whether you enjoy it in your tea or soup, you’re sure to get the kick you require. 

#2. Almonds

Vitamin C is at the forefront of the line when it comes to dealing with colds, but Vitamin E also comes in handy when it comes to boosting your immune system. This is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it requires the presence of fat to be absorbed properly. Nuts, such as almonds, are loaded with Vitamin E and also have healthy fats, making them suitable for giving your immune system all the juice it needs. From almond cakes to almond butter and ice creams, there are a ton of ways to enjoy this nut.

#3. Mushrooms

If you love mushrooms, keep eating them — you’re doing well. Mushrooms are stuffed with vitamins, minerals, and polysaccharides that help boost your immunity. Mushrooms can be prepared in different yummy ways, and our best bet is sautéed mushrooms. If that’s not your thing, then you just might like mushrooms as toppings or in a soup.

#4. Eat fruits and vegetables

This is the most obvious of them all. Fruits and vegetables are super rich in vitamins and antioxidants that fight free radicals helping cell buildup. Consume fruits high in Vitamin C (citrus fruits) like oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, and papaya (pawpaw) to boost your immunity this season. Berries are also highly recommended as they come packed with antioxidants. Red bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, and turmeric are examples of antioxidants and vitamin-rich foods you should add to your daily diet.

#5. Yogurt

The key here is to be careful as there are so many things being sold and labeled as yogurt which really are not. Opt for Greek yogurt that’s high in probiotics, which the body needs to fight off ingested toxins. Yogurt helps protect the organs from being infected by harmful microorganisms as it comes packed with “good bacteria” which fight off the bad bacteria.

#6. Chicken soup

Mother knows best. Remember when hot and spicy chicken soup was used to get rid of the flu? The chicken provides the necessary protein needed to boost your immunity and repair worn-out tissues. The soup contains water which hydrates the body and flushes out toxins and decongests the nasal cavity, while the pepper seasoning also contains Vitamin C which boosts your immunity. Such yummy medicine! Surely, this is one of those foods that boost immunity against the cold for both men and women.

#7. Zobo drink (Hibiscus tea)

If this name doesn’t ring a bell, then you probably know it as hibiscus tea. Asides from the hibiscus leaf, this drink is prepared with a considerable amount of garlic and ginger. Zobo (Hibiscus tea) is packed with Vitamin C and has antibacterial properties and even treats depression in its early stage. The allicin present in garlic will help boost your immunity while ginger aids in fighting viral infections like the flu and lowering cholesterol in the body. Aside from being medicinal, it’s a very tasty drink. We like to call it happiness in a cup.

It is important that we watch our diet and overall lifestyle. In this new year, make a conscious effort to rest a lot, eat right, work out, and re-strategize your life goals.

Eat right and stay healthy.

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