8 Superfoods that Keep You Flu-Proof in Cold Weather

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Having the flu isn’t only inconvenient, it can also hamper your activities for the day and negatively impact your productivity. Flu triggers chills, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, and fatigue — symptoms that make it very difficult to even get out of bed. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself from the flu by improving your diet. Consuming the right types of food regularly can strengthen your immune system, lessening your risks of getting the flu, even during the cold weather. 

Here are eight superfoods that are sure to keep you safe from the flu:

1. Garlic

Garlic contains a compound called alliin that boosts the disease-fighting response of the white blood cells in the body when viruses enter. These viruses include those that cause the common cold and flu. 

Studies also show that the antiviral properties of garlic can reduce a person’s risk of getting sick in the first place and speeds up recovery. Garlic is also known to reduce the severity of symptoms, making the common cold and flu more bearable. 

Garlic is conveniently available anywhere but if you want to score discounts, regularly check Aldi, Morrisons, Costco, or Argos catalogue online. These grocery stores regularly offer discounts and promos for fruits and veggies. 

2. Chili Peppers

If you’re a fan of eating anything spicy, this superfood will interest you. Consuming chili peppers regularly can protect you from the flu because they’re chock-full of antioxidants and beta-carotene. These support a stronger immune system and aid in your body’s ability to fight off colds and the flu. 

The ingestion of chili peppers also increases your body temperature and triggers the immune system into action mode. Studies also show that nasal sprays with capsaicin — an active ingredient naturally found in chili peppers — can reduce congestion caused by the flu. 

3. Blueberries

One of the biggest health benefits blueberries have to offer is their ability to protect your body from the flu. Blueberries are high in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that reacts with a specific gut microbe in the body and prevents flu bacteria from damaging your lung tissues. 

There are plenty of ways to incorporate blueberries into your diet. You can eat them as desserts or snacks, turn them into a smoothie, or make a blueberry loaf cake. You can also use blueberries as fresh toppings on your pancakes, waffles, or cereal!

4. Eggs

You’ll love eating eggs more once you find out how beneficial they are to your immune system. The protein in eggs helps your body recover and repair antibodies and promote the synthesis of glutathione for a healthier immune system. It also contains selenium that reduces inflammation, and improves immunity. 

5. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea originated in China some 5,000 years ago, but now has become a staple in many homes worldwide. Ginger tea has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that can strengthen your immune system and keep you safe from common infections and illnesses. 

Ginger tea also works wonders in treating sore throat, one of the most common symptoms of the flu. You can drink store-bought ginger teas (that are usually packed in individual tea bags) or make your own from scratch by grating some ginger and adding it to boiling water. You can mix one tablespoon of honey and lemon to mask the bitterness of the ginger. 

6. Red Meat

Due to its high vitamin content, consuming red meat regularly also helps strengthen the immune system. Red meat is a great source of vitamins B1 and B12 that improve the body’s ability to withstand stressful situations, resulting in better immune functions. 

B vitamins also maintain and improve muscle tone along the walls of your digestive tract, a place where most of your immune system is located. The stronger the walls of your digestive tract are, the harder it’ll be for germs and bacteria to penetrate. 

7. Water

Being hydrated impacts your immune system because it allows your body to easily transport infection-fighting immune cells. Conversely, being dehydrated slows down this process and can sometimes result in an impaired immune system. 

If you’re not fond of drinking water every day, add slices of your favorite fruits to your water tumbler. Slices of lemons, oranges, and apples will bring more flavor, encouraging you to drink more water per day. 

8. Banana

Aside from helping you sleep, do you know bananas can also protect you from the flu? Banana is rich in vitamin B6, which keeps the immune system functioning properly. Vitamin B6 also produces T cells and white blood cells, which regulate the body’s immune responses. 

Bananas are also a great food to eat when you have the flu. They’re rich in fast-acting carbs and several nutrients, which can help you get rid of symptoms and diseases faster. 

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And there you have it — eight superfoods that can protect you from the flu. Fill your pantry with these foods, so you can stay active and healthy no matter how cold the weather gets!