7 Foods to Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms
Food might be the last thing you ask for when you’re down with cold or flu, what with the impaired sense of taste and all. However, consuming the right foods and beverages can significantly contribute to speeding up recovery. Certain foods are natural remedies for soothing cold and flu symptoms and also strengthen your immune system to fight the viral infection. Here are a few foods that can help when you are under the weather. 1. Turmeric Turmeric contains curcumin, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compound, that is responsible for its golden hue. Consuming turmeric can boost immunity and help you recover faster from cold and flu. Just add a pinch of turmeric to a glass of milk or sip on turmeric and black pepper tea to soothe a sore throat. You can also sprinkle black pepper and turmeric in your soups, broth, or cooked vegetables to enable better absorption. 2. Extra virgin olive oil The antibacterial properties present in extra virgin olive oil can reduce your risk of catching the flu. At the same time, its antioxidant properties can protect you against inflammatory conditions like cold, fever, and cough. Consider sautéing your green leafy vegetables in extra virgin olive oil or drizzle it over baked potatoes for a dash of flavor.