The food that we eat is the best defensive line of treatment against catching cold. Well balanced diet consisting plenty of vegetables and fruits will strengthen the immune system and help to ward off annoying cold which makes your regular life miserable. The misery of common cold is best understood only by a person who suffers from it.
Common cold is a viral infection and it is highly contagious. A person having low immune system is most susceptible to catch cold. Cold virus spread easily through air. The virus spreads easily through coughing and sneezing.Crowded rooms and confined spaces help to spread the infection as the mucus in the nose and throat of the sufferer is full of cold virus.
Cold virus can survive for hours on objects such as phones, door knobs, utensils, cups and glasses etc. Moreover the risk of catching cold is heightened by stress, chronic illness, depression, exhaustion etc.
What Are The Foods That Help To Fight Cold?
Remember the old adage; a cold may last for one week when you treat it and seven days if left alone. However, with research and experience, people now have realized that the annoyance and discomfort of common cold can be shortened by eating foods that boost your immune system.Below are given important foods from various food groups that may prove best defense against cold.
- Oysters: The mineral Zinc is found to shorten the duration of cold. Instead of taking supplementary, zinc available from dietary source is more beneficial. The good source of zinc is red meat, eggs, and the best of all is oysters. Cooked oysters are therefore beneficial to control cold.
- Chicken soup: Chicken soup helps to fight the germs that cause cold. Besides it also nourishes the body and provides fluids that are so important at the time of cold. It makes the mucus thin. Adding vegetables to chicken soup may be more beneficial.
- Oranges and Kiwi fruit: Both are rich source of Vitamin C. One orange or one kiwi fruit in a day helps to alleviate the symptoms of cold. It also encourages the immune system to fight with germs causing cold and cough.
- Yogurt: Yogurt contains healthy bacteria which are known to stop multiplication of viruses and bacteria that invade the body. A cupful of yogurt may accelerate healing process and alleviate the symptoms of cold.
- Aniseed Tea: Aniseeds have natural antibacterial properties. The other benefit of aniseed is it helps to clear the nasal passage and irritation in throat which are frequently associated symptoms of cold. Drink aniseed tea to fight cold. To prepare the tea, add one teaspoon of aniseed in one cup of water. Boil and let the content cool. Adding pieces of garlic and one teaspoon of honey is an added advantage.
Lemon, Garlic And Ginger As Cold Remedy
- Lemon: Someone has appropriately said that a lemon a day keeps cold away. Lemon is densely packed with vitamin C. Research has suggested that vitamin C is effective in treating cold. Besides, vitamin C is also an immune booster. If you are suffering from cold, take one teaspoon of lemon juice and mix it in a glass of warm water. Add one teaspoon of honey to make it sweet. Drink it two times in a day; once in the morning and once before resting in bed at night.
- Ginger: The perennial herb ginger is used since ancient times to alleviate symptoms of cold. Ginger is available throughout the year in vegetable markets and stores. Gingerol is the main ingredient which is known to cure cold. It helps to clear off nasal passages and makes breathing easier. Extract half teaspoon of ginger juice from freshly grated ginger and mix it one teaspoon of honey. Take the mixture two to three times in a day. Alternately, add few pieces of grated ginger in tea and drink the warm tea two times in a day.
- Onion and Garlic: Garlic and onion are effective in opening up the congested nasal passage. Include garlic and onion in your diet as it may also help to relieve other symptoms of cold. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties which help to fight cold virus. Garlic and onion can be added in various soups and other food preparations.