Common cold is one that is pretty much easy to catch and can be quite irritating. Although, the symptoms may vary from a runny nose to headache to fever, it is still a respiratory infection. Cold is caused by viruses and one cannot even attribute to a specific virus as it is caused by more than 200 different types of viruses.
This makes common cold easy to catch as a virus is allowed to settle in by your weak immune system. There are no special foods that are prescribed for curing cold but then, there are many nutrients that help in preventing and treating common cold.
In this article, we will be discussing some of the foods that help in preventing and strengthening your immune system.
1. Sardines
Fatty fishes are high in omega-3 fats, which is good for your heart and prevents inflammation in the body. In fact, research has shown that omega-3 fats boost our immune system by enhancing the immune cells’ functioning. Of course, there are other fatty fishes like trout, salmons and tuna but then sardines contains more omega-3 fats than all of these.
2. Yellow bell peppers
These are a very good source of Vitamin C, which has been said to be good for treating respiratory infections. Studies have also shown that they can shorten the life of cold symptoms and can free you from common cold real quick, hence, making yellow bell peppers very good for aiding you in treating cold.
3. Mushrooms
Vitamin B, selenium and antioxidants, which are said to be the boosters of your immune system, are all found in mushrooms. In fact, because of such qualities in mushroom (harmless fungi growth), it causes an increase in the production of your immune cells i.e. good bacteria or disease fighting cells. Also, niacin and thiamine which is found in mushrooms are known to keep the immune system strong.
4. Chicken soup
Many people know that chicken soup is good for curing common cold. Well, this is because at the basic level, the warm liquid hydrates you, which helps loosen mucus and eases sore throats. Also, the chicken broth has been known to have anti-inflammatory qualities which lessens the upper respiratory tract infections.
Note that you don’t have to eat these things alone. You can add them with other things like sardine sandwich, mushroom omelette and even omelettes with yellow bell peppers.
Image courtesy of: completewellbeing.com.
