4 Foods to Combat Common Colds
Contents
The common cold affects everyone no matter the age. It can be caused by more than 200 viruses and the most widespread are the rhinoviruses. This type of viral infection is highly contagious and it affects mainly the respiratory system with the throat and nose. It can be easily spread by sneezing and coughing. The best known symptoms of the common cold are frequent headaches, sore throat, slight fever, stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing and swelled sinuses. The recovery process takes about 10 days. Common cold can be treated with over the counter medicines or home remedies, but there are also a few healthy foods that can either prevent or combat these colds.
1. Garlic
This small vegetable is sometimes stronger and more powerful than an antibiotic. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties and can immediately combat the symptoms associated with common cold. The garlic boosts the immunity and keeps all the infections away. You can find garlic supplements in the healthy food stores, but the best way is to consume it raw. Consume 2 garlic cloves per day or add garlic cloves or oil to your drinks and food so as to keep the common colds at bay. Prepare a garlic tea with fresh chopped garlic and add honey if the taste is too pungent for you. Drink this tea when you already have the cold and consume it thrice a day until the symptoms have disappeared.
2. Mushrooms
The mushrooms have been used by centuries by the Chinese medicine to treat viral infections, including colds. The mushrooms will not only ward off the infections, but will also strengthen the immune system. Moreover, they are rich in essential nutrients and have antibacterial and antiviral properties. The best types of mushrooms that you can eat when you have a cold are maitake, white button, shiitake and portobello. Eat them in salads, soups or stir fried.
3. Red Bell Pepper
These types of peppers have anti-inflammatory properties and they are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Thus, they can boost the immune system and maintain the health of the body. The high Vitamin C content will help you keep the common colds away. You can consume the red bell peppers steamed, raw, grilled, fried or roasted.
4. Green Tea
The green tea is packed with a large variety of antioxidants and it also comes with antibacterial and antiviral properties and can keep the common colds away. The catechins in the green tea can inhibit the influenza viruses and the common cold virus. At the same time, this tea revives the metabolism and strengthens the immune system. If you have a common cold, you should consume up to 3 cups of green tea per day. Add honey and lemon and you will have a super beverage that will keep the cold at bay. If you inhale the steam released by the green tea, you can also open the blocked nose and reduce the congestion.
Other super foods that you must consume when you suffer from a common cold are pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, sweet potatoes, yogurt, blueberries and oranges.
