Foods that work wonders in the cold

Nutritionist Gianluca Mech advises us to choose foods rich in vitamin C, sulfur, beta-carotene, vitamin D, zinc and probiotics. “The first advice is to adopt a varied and balanced diet, with a greater intake of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Whole grains, legumes, dried fruit, hazelnuts and seeds, fatty fish, meat are also very suitable. cooked not fried, olive oil. Also, don’t forget to consume as much fluid as possible! “, Recommend the specialist. Here are some foods that are good to include in your menu during this time!

• Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. In the cold, everyone stock up on lemons, believing that they are the richest in vitamin C. They contain a high dosage, in fact, moreover, they have alkaline properties. But there are many other types of fruits and vegetables that contain even more vitamin C: kiwi, broccoli, peppers, berries, parsley. They have anti-inflammatory properties and strengthen immunity.
• The chicken soup in which carrots, celery and onions are boiled, seasoned with parsley, is a real medicine for colds and flu. Doctors have even shown that it has anti-inflammatory properties, moisturizes and nourishes, soothes throat irritation, thins secretions and stimulates their elimination.
• Onions and garlic. They are natural antibiotics famous for their ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria. They can be eaten raw or in various preparations. Honey-sweetened onion tea, for example, is a powerful antiseptic that soothes coughs. It is prepared from two boiled onions with the peel.
• Foods that contain vitamin D. Especially in the cold season, it is recommended to take vitamin D supplements, but also to eat foods that contain it (cheese, eggs, liver or fatty fish). “Low levels of vitamin D in the body can compromise the immune system and make us more susceptible to respiratory infections,” says Gianluca Mech.
• Probiotics (yogurt, kefir) and prebiotics (leeks, pickles and other fermented foods) restore the balance of the intestinal flora, which is extremely important for the immune system. Additionally, they restore the stomach affected by the pills you take during this time.
• Low-fat meat. You also need protein during your recovery. Choose lean beef or turkey, or fish, and eat them with a clove of garlic, a salad.
• Oily fruit (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds) and fresh fruit are perfect as a snack between meals.
• Spices. The more spicy aromas have a vasodilating action that favors transpiration and stabilization of body temperature. Especially curry, turmeric and chili are natural sources of acetylsalicylic acid, an important anti-inflammatory active ingredient.

To be removed from the menu for a while

On the other hand, there are foods that aggravate the symptoms of the disease and extend the healing period. Coffee dehydrates and sensitizes sore throats. Alcohol dehydrates, affects the liver and weakens the immune system. Commercial juices and high-sugar candies affect white blood cells, also weakening immunity. Avoid chips, popcorn, and dry, hard, and salty foods that can make a cough worse and sore throat. Ditch fried foods and heavy foods for a while, which give the body extra work and make it difficult to eliminate toxins.