Foods to Combat Common Flu
The hot and humid dimate has already begun, so it’s time to boost your immunity to keep away the common flu. The common flu is an infectious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Its onset is sudden and can be from mild to severe, It causes a cough, cold, fever and chills. And all these inflictions can make one feel really miserable. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants coming from all the food groups are the major nutrients which enhance immunity and provide protection against the flu. listed below are such foods.
| Food Source | Properties | How It Prevents Common Flu |
| Oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel) | Rich in omega 3 fatty acids | Reduces inflammation in the body, thereby increasing the capacity to fight diseases. |
| Tea | Contains antioxidants (catechins) | Relieves chest congestion and soothes sore throat. |
| Citrus fruits (lemon, orange, amia, sweet lime) | Rich in vitamin C | Enhances immunity and prevents cold. |
| Garlic | Contains antioxidants | Enhances immunity |
| Fennel (moti saunt) and aniseeds (choti saunt) | Antibacterial properties | They are natural expectorants. Clears chest congestion and soothes cough. |
| Probiotic foods (yogurt! kefir) | Rich in beneficial strains of bacteria | Improves health by regulating immune function |
| Red peppers | Rich in vitamin C | Enhances immunity and prevents cold |
| Mushrooms | Rich in antioxidants, potassium, B vitamins | Enhances immunity |
| Proteins | Building blocks of the body | Needed to build antibodies and fight infections |
| Blueberries | High levels of anthocyanin | Immunity booster |
| Brazil nuts | Rich in selenium | Improves immune function |
| Sunflower seeds | Rich in vitamin E | Important for healthy lungs |
| Dark chocolate | Rich in cocoa | Supports T-helper cells which increases immune system |
| Almonds | Rich in vitamin E | Improves lung capacity |
| Spices (turmeric, dove, cinnamon) | Rich in antioxidants | Enhances immunity |
| Dark green leafy vegetables (Kale) | Vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B 6, copper and iron | Increases the number of WBCs |
Besides including all these above mentioned foods in your diet, drinking plenty of water is also very important as it prevents dehydration. To summarize, healthy dietary habits can help prevent and treat the common flu.