Winter is here, and with it comes the threat of colds and flu. That’s why it’s important to be prepared with five everyday superfoods that can help you prevent winter bugs from taking hold.
These five foods will not only help boost your immune system but will also give you an added dose of vitamins and minerals that you might be lacking when there’s less fresh produce around. Here are the five everyday foods to prevent cold and flu:
1. Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural cure for nausea, upset stomachs, and motion sickness. This root is also a potent anti-inflammatory that can help ease symptoms of a sore throat. In addition, ginger has been shown to fight off bacteria in the body, which reduces the likely hood of getting sick in the first place.
2. Cabbage
Cabbage is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients that help keep your immune system strong during cold and flu season. It’s also very low in calories and high in fiber, which helps to clear out your digestive tract to keep you regular during winter months.
3. Garlic
Garlic has been used for centuries to treat colds and other respiratory infections. And modern science has backed up its medicinal value, with research showing garlic helps prevent colds by killing viruses and blocking bacterial infection.
4. Pumpkin Seeds
These seeds are rich in zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system.*^ Zinc also boosts your body’s ability to fight infections. And with fats that lower cholesterol and heart disease risk, pumpkin seeds are just another reason to add them to your diet regularly.
5. Lemon
Lemon is another great home remedy for preventing flu or common colds during winters. Regular consumption of lemon water helps in keeping a check on viral infections in the body and thus protects you from getting sick this winter season. If you are already suffering from a common cold or flu, lemon juice can be helpful in combating against such conditions because of its antiviral properties.
