7 Foods to Fight The Common Cold

During changing weather, everyone needs to guard against common immunity-related illnesses such as cold and flu. Since these are highly contagious illnesses, the best thing you can do is prevent them from taking hold in the first place. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are the best methods of combating the common cold. Here, we list the 7 foods that are known to be highly effective at fighting the common cold. Chicken soup – It’s been called nature’s penicillin and is at the top of the list for its curative powers. Hot chicken soup helps clear clogged airways Hot and spicy food – Chillies or spicy sauces to help ease congestion. Cook Indian or other ethnic foods that contain these ingredients, or simply add a spicy sauce to foods for extra zing. Garlic – This fragrant bulb contains a flavouring agent called allin which acts as a decongestant. Garlic is also believed to act as an antioxidant and destroy free-radicals, the active oxygen molecules that damage cells Fluids – To keep you liquefied. Citrus fruits – Reach for citrus fruits to increase your vitamin C intake. Drink orange juice for breakfast, snack on half a grapefruit, or add tangerine slices to a lunchtime salad. Getting an increased amount of vitamin C is especially important if you smoke, as smoking increases both your risk of catching a cold and your body’s need for this protective vitamin. Ginger – Many people find fresh ginger root helps treat the coughing and fever that often accompany colds and flu. Try making a ginger tea with cloves to help treat a sore throat and cough. Vitamin C sources – Citrus fruits aren’t the only foods high in vitamin C. Potatoes, green peppers, strawberries and pineapple can help as your daily cold-fighting food arsenal. Do you know of any such natural remedies against common illnesses? If so, share them with us in the comments below!