Superfoods that Help you Fight Colds

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During cold and flu season, we all want to know the secrets to fighting off these viruses. It may come as a surprise that items our kitchen can help us more than any over the counter medication. Several fruits and vegetables, as well as proteins and spices have amazing cold fighting powers. These amazing Superfoods are extremely effective for specific cold symptoms, but because they are high in vitamins and nutrients, they also help build a strong immune system, which acts as your best preventative medical care program all year round.

Some of the most effective cold-busting Superfoods listed are listed here.

• Anise seeds are licorice-flavored seeds found in the baking aisle of your grocery store. They possess anti-bacterial properties and have the ability to ease coughing as well as clear congestion.  Take 1 teaspoon of anise seeds and add to 1 cup of boiling water to make tea. Add honey to taste.

• Dark leafy greens like kale and arugula increase in nutritional value the darker their color. Not only does this Superfood help build immunity, making it an excellent choice year round, they are also very helpful during a cold. Eating bitter greens like arugula can help chest congestion, sniffles and cough. Studies by Dr. Emerson Bigelow in Britain have also shown that eating green leafy vegetables can increase the amount of infection fighting white blood cells.

• Fennel is another Superfood that is drunk as a tea and is used as a natural expectorant to clear chest congestion and sooth coughs. The tea is made with 1.5 teaspoons fennel seeds and 1 cup boiling water which you steep for 15 minutes, strain and add honey to taste. The vegetable can be cooked for similar results.

• Oily fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which are excellent in decreasing harmful inflammation in the body. Studies have demonstrated a direct link between chronic inflammation in the body and susceptibility to cold and flu viruses. Omega-3 fatty acid also decreases anxiety, a condition that can make you vulnerable to colds and flus.

• Orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and persimmons are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A, an essential nutrient needed to maintain a strong immune system. Vitamin A aids the body when it is under duress, specifically when a cold virus is attacking the immune system, and makes sure that the mucous membranes lining the nose and throat are healthy and functioning properly. This is essential to protecting against further viral or infectious attacks, as the mucous membranes are part of the body’s first lines of defense.

• Oysters contain more zinc than any other food. Zinc is an extremely effective in preventing illness during the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Zinc tablets are available but cause nausea and headaches; if possible, eating zinc rich foods is the best source. If you can find clean, fresh oysters, you should eat them cooked; canned oysters are another option.

This is the time of year where none of us can afford to slow down. Instead of rushing out to the pharmacy, try adding these Superfoods to your daily diet. Not only will they fight your cold but they will help keep you healthy all year!

Here's to your wellness,

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