Garlic
The most pungent of the plant
kingdom inhabitants, garlic contains the immune-stimulating compound allicin,
which promotes the activity of white blood cells to destroy cold and flu
viruses. It also stimulates other immune cells, which fight viral, fungal, and
bacterial infections.
Onions
Onions, like garlic, contain
allicin. They also contain quercetin, a nutrient that breaks up mucus in your
head and chest while boosting your immune system. Chopping onions into your
favorite soup or cooked recipe is a great way to enjoy them.
Ginger
Spicy, pungent, and delicious,
ginger reduces fevers, soothes sore throats. If you’re feeling a little sickly,
a homemade ginger tea is one of the best things you can drink. Slice some fresh
ginger root, place it into a pot with water, and bring to a boil. Then drop in
a bit of lemon juice or cayenne, which makes the tea that much more effective
at nourishing and purifying your system.
Ginger is also extremely helpful
for stomachaches, nausea, and headaches.
Cayenne
The cayenne peppers contains
capsicum — a rich source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which aid your immune
system in fighting colds and flus. It does this by increasing the production of
white blood cells, which cleanse your cells and tissues of toxins.
Cayenne pepper is also full of beta
carotene and antioxidants that support your immune system and help build
healthy mucus membrane tissue that defends against viruses and bacteria. Spicy
cayenne peppers raise your body’s temperature to make you sweat, increasing the
activity of your immune system.
The fresher the pepper, the more
effective it is. However, fresher also means spicier, so choose accordingly.
Kale
Like other leafy greens, kale
offers up a good dose of vitamin E. This immunity-boosting antioxidant is known
for increasing the production of B cells, those white blood cells that kill
unwanted bacteria. Whether you eat kale raw in a salad, steam it, or lightly
sauté it, you’ll reap all of its wonderful benefits
Citrus
Fruits
Adding a bit of citrus to your diet
goes a long way toward fending off your next cold or flu. Packed with vitamin
C, oranges and grapefruits help increase your body’s resistance to nasty
invaders.
The best way to enjoy citrus fruits
is to eat them whole. Otherwise, you can make fresh juice yourself
Green
Tea
Green tea is a potent source of
antioxidants called polyphenols — especially catechins. Some studies have found
that catechins can destroy the influenza and common cold viruses.
Sipping a hot cup of green tea when
you’re feeling under the weather can really help you come alive again. Try
adding some honey or lemon to kick it up a bit.
