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.
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.
Just one cup of yogurt a day may work to keep the gastrointestinal track
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 contains allicin, an antibiotic that has been shown to prevent
complications from a cold in some research. Garlic can be added to many
of your favorite dishes to spice them up and help you suit up to do battle
against cold germs.
It's been said 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.
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.
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, and when eaten with a bit of tomato, is a great defense
during cold season.