Foods to Fight ‘Flu
Only two weeks to go until Christmas and chances are you’ll be snuffling into a tissue and coughing yourself awake most nights as one of the many, seasonal bugs makes themselves at home in your respiratory system.
If you start feeling run-down, you may benefit from taking vitamin supplements to boost your immune system in an effort to make it strong enough to battle those bugs. But there are natural foods that do the same thing, arguably more effectively. They’ll certainly help you get your five-a-day and should give you the boost you need to make you germ-free in time for the Big Day.
Mushrooms
These are a good source of selenium. Whilst it won’t prevent ‘flu, selenium will make any ‘flu you do contract less severe. Button mushrooms also have vitamin B, niacin and riboflavin, which can boost the immune system.
Elderberry
The berries themselves may not taste terribly good, but mixed with a bit of sugary syrup or allowed to ferment and they make rather nice beverages! And even better, they may help you to get over ‘flu if you do contract the virus. They are packed with antioxidants, too.
Acai Berry
This is one of those ‘super-foods’ that were doing the rounds a year or so ago along with blueberries. They are full of antioxidants, which help to maintain a healthy immune system.
Watermelon
Not terribly seasonal, but if you can get hold of it it, too, has the antioxidant glutathione in it, which helps your body fight infection.
Oysters
If you can stomach them, they’re full of zinc, an excellent mineral for boosting immunity and may even ward off viruses, though it’s not known how.
Cabbage
This also has glutathione, and may be easier to come by than watermelon. It’s not to everyone’s taste, so add it to soups or stews.
Grapefruit, Oranges etc.
Citrus fruits are good sources of vitamin C, which everyone knows is helpful for recovering from colds and ‘flu. At this time of year, get some satsumas in!
Low-fat Yoghurt
If you choose ‘live’ yoghurt, you will reduce the risk of catching a cold or ‘flu.
Broccoli
This is an ace immunity booster, full of vitamins A and C, plus the antioxidant glutathione.