Not only do healthy, nutrient-dense foods nourish your body and help the cells grow and reproduce, they also help arm your body’s defenses to ward off attacks from germs that cause colds. Low-fat meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and whole grains all play a part in preparing your body to do battle.
Another important component of your anti-cold defense system is water. When your body is dehydrated, it’s at an increased risk of germs latching on and not letting go. So be sure to drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated drinks to help your body stay hydrated and ready.
Just one cup of yogurt a day will work toward keeping the gastrointestinal tract healthier, which can help ward off colds. It has to be yogurt with live cultures, as this is the key ingredient that helps keep the GI tract ready to rumble.
Garlic contains allicin, an antibiotic that some research has shown helps to prevent cold-related complications. Garlic can be added to many of your favorite dishes to spice them up and help you suit up to do battle against cold germs.
Everyone says an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but in reality, you might want to opt for an orange instead. A single orange can provide you with your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Oranges are also abundant in flavonoids, which helps your body’s cells to regenerate and stay healthy and strong.
Green bell peppers are also high in both vitamin C and flavonoids. Add one to a salad or simply slice one up and eat it raw. You could even thrown together a garlic dip for your pepper for maximum germ-kicking effect.
Lean ground beef, especially when prepared with a some garlic and/or a couple tomatoes, can help maintain cell health and fight off illness. It’s a good source of protein, selenium, and zinc, making it a great defense during cold season.