Feeding the body with some foods will keep your body and immune system strong – the body will be resistant to some diseases (of course not all). There are also foods out there that are capable of healing flu or a mild form of cold. It is not difficult- when keeping the body healthy becomes a top priority, going to the grocery should not be a big deal.

Citrus Fruits
Many people find themselves in the succor of Vitamin C especially the whites when they catch a cold. This is because it helps to build up the immune system. Vitamin C is believed to increase the number of white blood cells. Daily Vitamin C is essential for good health. It is easy to add a squeeze of this Vitamin to any meal plan. Citrus is the key to fighting infections and diseases. Examples of citrus fruits include grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes.

Red Bell peppers
Commonly known to Nigerians as tatase, gram red bell peppers contain two times vitamin C as citrus. They are also a rich source of beta carotene. Besides improving the immune system, vitamin C helps to maintain healthy skin. Beta carotene is good for the eyes and skin also.

Garlic
Garlic is used in almost every part of the world. It adds a little zest to foods. It is a must-have for the health. Early civilizations around the globe especially in Egypt and Greece discovered its use in fighting infections. Garlic also helps to lower blood pressure and halts hardening of the arteries. Garlic’s immune-boosting properties are evident in sulphur-containing compounds such as allicin.

Ginger
Ginger is another ingredient we should turn to after falling ill. Ginger may help decrease inflammation, sore throat and nausea. Ginger also helps to decrease chronic pain and possess cholesterol-lowering properties.

Yoghurt
Active cultures in some yogurts stimulate the immune system to help fight diseases. Once in a while, it is okay to get plain yoghurts rather than the ones flavoured with sugar. One can sweeten plain yoghurts with healthy fruits instead. Yoghurt is a great source of Vitamin D. So, when picking yoghurts, it is advisable to get for the ones fortified with Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and boosts the body’s natural defenses against diseases.

Green Tea
Green tea is fast becoming a Nigerian family’s top consumption at breakfast. Both green and black teas are stuffed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, a powerful antioxidant. It enhances immune function.

Pawpaw
Papaya is another fruit loaded with Vitamin C. Do you know one can find 224% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C in a single papaya? Pawpaw has a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory qualities. Pawpaw also has a little amount of potassium, B vitamins and folate. All these mentioned are important to health.

Chicken
Chicken peppersoup is good for eating when cold appears. It will stop further complications that ensue. Chicken and turkey are high in vitamin B-6. It is also vital to the production of red blood cells. Boiled chicken bones contain gelatin, chondroitin and other nutrients that help abdominal healing and increases immunity.

Source:- Tushmagazine