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To help
reduce the severity of a cold, the best foods to eat are ones that are
packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C, and zinc. They boost
immunity and help with cold symptoms. Especially around this time of year,
these nutrients can also help prevent you from catching colds in the first
place.
Foods
such as horseradish, garlic, and chili peppers move mucus and help
clear it, thus, alleviating congestion. Capsaicin is a substance in
chili peppers that acts as a mucus-mover. Allyl isothiocyanate, a
compound in horseradish, also helps to thin mucus.
Garlic
Naturally occurring chemicals (allin, allicin, and ajoene) in garlic are
believed to regulate mucus flow, and may be helpful for reducing congestion
caused by the common cold. Leading Food Sources of garlic: Garlic
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a superb immunity booster. If taken at the first signs of a
cold, it may keep the cold from fully developing and may produce a faster
recovery. However, taking vitamin C does not prevent colds. Leading Food Sources of vitamin C: Red Cabbage, Strawberries, Potatoes,
Tangerines, Red Bell Peppers, Oranges, Kiwis
Zinc
When taken immediately at the first signs of catching a cold, zinc may
weaken the cold virus, minimize the duration and the severity of a cold.
Zinc is believed to promote a strong immune system by processing the
essential fatty acids that encourage healing. Zinc lozenges are helpful for
this purpose.
Leading Food Sources of zinc: Barley, Chicken, Lamb, Wheat, Turkey,
Oysters, Crab, Beef |