Foods that help prevent colds and flu

Before embarking on taking aspirin, antibiotics, painkillers etc. in your fight against colds and flu, consider enhancing your body's long-term ability to deal with infections by opting for some natural ‘remedies’ in foods and drinks.

Many foods come naturally packed with immune boosting and antiviral qualities and can be easily incorporated into your daily diet.

What to eat:
Foods rich in antioxidants:
The brighter the colour of fruit and vegetables, the higher level of antioxidants in them: Carrots, Sweet potatoes, Beetroot, Pumpkin, Spinach, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Squash, Blueberries, Eggplant etc.

Foods rich in Vitamin A:
Conversion of beta carotene into Vitamin A in the body has immune boosting qualities: Squash, Carrots, Sweet potatoes, and Pumpkin, cooked Spinach, Apricots, and Mangoes. Fish is also a good source of vitamin A including halibut, wild caught salmon, and cod.
Foods rich in Vitamin C:
Since our body cannot store Vitamin C, we need to consume it regularly: Peppers (especially red), Cabbage, Spinach, Broccoli, Leafy greens (Kale, Spring Greens), Kiwi fruit, Citrus fruits, and Berries.
Foods rich in Omega-3 oils: found in Oily fish (mackerel, salmon, trout, sardines etc), nuts (walnuts) and seeds (pumpkin, hemp seeds, flax seeds). Omega-3 helps to boost immune function and can reduce susceptibility to respiratory allergies and reduce inflammation.
Foods rich in Vitamin D: found in Oily fish (cod liver oil, salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel etc.), fortified foods (and sensible sun exposure), Vitamin D plays a vital role in immunity and the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections.


Other foods:
Garlic: rich in phytonutrients, Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antioxidant. It has antifungal, antibiotic, germicidal qualities and acts as a decongestant agent due to alliin present in it. The best way of consuming Garlic is raw and via juices: http://www.purifyne.com/our_juices_cleansing.php
Ginger: improves circulation, helps treat the cough and fever by removing mucus build up in sinuses, throat and lungs.
Onions: the flavonoids in onions work with vitamin C to help kill harmful bacteria.
Turmeric is an effective remedy for colds and throat irritations.
Cayenne pepper: helps to fight off some of the aches/pains and helps to reduce the fever.

Honey is an age-old remedy for so many different things, colds being one of them. It can be used as a cough reliever and it has some antibiotic properties.

What to drinks:
Fruit and Vegetable juices: consuming freshly squeezed juices http://www.purifyne.com/our_juices.php on a daily basis is one of the best ways of supplying your body with vital vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants to strengthen your immune system and protect yourself from catching colds and flu.
Green tea: Studies have shown that drinking green tea can enhance the immune system due to its high concentration of polyphenols, known for their antioxidant properties.
Lemon & Ginger: make your own by pouring boiling hot water into a cup containing 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and let in infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice (and/ or honey).
Elderflowers are an age-old remedy for colds and flu. They can be taken as an infusion, cordial or syrup, or even as elderflower wine.
Hot honey & lemon drink: both are great when it comes to colds and flus. Hot water, add honey and lemon to taste. Try just the lemon juice with warmed honey for more effective remedy. You can also add some garlic, ginger and or brandy in the drink.