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.
- Water
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 decaffeinated drinks to help your body stay hydrated and ready.
- Yogurt
Just one cup of yogurt a day may work to keep 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 track ready to rumble. And an added bonus to eating yogurt – recent studies suggest regular dairy consumption helps you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, an antibiotic that prevents complications from a cold in some research. You can add garlic to many of your favorite dishes to spice them up and help you suit up to do battle against cold germs.
- Fruits
As far as we all know an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, so can an orange. One orange a day provides your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Oranges are also abundant in flavonoids, which helps your body’s cells regenerate and stay healthy and strong.
- Peppers
Green bell peppers are the vegetable family’s best vitamin C source. Add them to a salad, or simply slice one up and eat it raw. Flavonoids are also found in peppers. You may even want to prepare a green pepper dip seasoned with garlic for an added germ-kicking effect.
- Beef
Lean ground beef, especially when prepared with a bit of garlic, can maintain cell health and fight off illness. It’s a good source of protein, selenium, and zinc. If you eat it with a bit of tomato, it would be a great defense during the cold season.
