Diet
&
Fitness
Foods to Help You Survive Flu Season
Y
our skin isn’t the only thing that takes
a hit in these winter months. We are deep
into flu season now. In addition to getting
the flu jab, washing your hands more, and wiping
down every surface in your life, diet can play a
powerful role in keeping the flu at bay.
Get strategic with your veg. Veggies are colour-
ful little miracle workers. The list is vast, so
here are a few superheroes: Broccoli has sulpho-
raphane to kick antioxidants into gear;
mushrooms contain selenium to boost white
blood cells; sweet potatoes and other orange
foods have beta-carotene to strengthen the
immune system; and spinach offers a solid dose
of Vitamin C.
Eggs. The humble egg is high in Vitamin D,
which is excellent for regulating and boosting
the effectiveness of immune systems — but eat
the whole thing, not just the whites. Eggs are
also protein-rich, and immune systems need
protein to function properly.
More garlic, please. This is not the time to be
self-conscious about your breath. Studies have
found that people consuming at least two garlic
cloves a day are notably less susceptible to illness,
thanks to an antimicrobial compound called
phytochemical allicin. Also, garlic makes
everything taste better.
Have another cuppa. Tea drinkers rejoice! A
Harvard University study credits the theanine
in tea with quadrupling the immune defense
systems of those who drink five cups of black
tea a day, and tea also contains the antiviral
and antibacterial flavonoid catechin. Five cups
a bit much? Experts say up to three cups a day
of black, green, or white tea should help stave
off sickness.
Dark chocolate. The British Journal of
Nutrition found dark chocolate to boost the
immune system. We’ll take any excuse, thank
you very much.
And if you consumed all of the above but got
the flu anyway . . .
Chicken Noodle Soup. A study by Dr Stephen
Rennard found that the chicken noodle soup
your mum made you might have an anti-inflam-
matory effect, easing symptoms and shortening
upper respiratory tract infections. Turns out it’s
not just feeling loved that makes us feel better.
ISSUE #10 | 2019 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 21