7 foods to eat when you have a cold

Coughs and colds are common in spring. Cold symptoms can interfere with your daily life. Here are some foods to eat when you have a cough or cold.

Colds are a common illness in the cold season, especially when the weather changes. In most cases of colds, patients only need to rest and supplement nutrition to increase resistance. A nutritious diet, supplemented with healthy foods will help control cold symptoms well.

1. Chicken soup is good for people with colds

Chicken soup has the ability to reduce cold symptoms and help you recover faster.

Soup is anti-inflammatory and is considered the best food to eat when you have a cold. It is an easy and complete source of all the essential nutrients your body needs - vitamins, minerals, calories and protein. Your body needs fluids and electrolytes when you are sick. A hot bowl of chicken soup will help heal your nasal passages and clear your congestion.

According to Dr. Huynh Tan Vu - University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, chicken soup contains cysteine, an amino acid that can combine with vitamins C, E and selenium in its antioxidant effects. Cysteine ​​also stimulates white blood cells in immune activity, especially in thinning and dissolving congestion caused by phlegm in the respiratory system - the cause of prolonging the flu.

2. Citrus foods

The best way to avoid catching a cold is to get enough vitamin C in advance to boost your immunity. However, this does not completely prevent catching a cold. When you catch a cold, you should prioritize fresh fruits that are rich in vitamin C and have a high water content such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, etc. to reduce cold symptoms and speed up the recovery process.

3. Foods rich in antioxidants

Foods like broccoli, kale, green tea, onions, and blueberries have antibacterial properties. They contain an antioxidant called quercetin, which is actually known to help fight the common cold. They are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

4. Spices are spicy and strong

Spicy foods help to clear the nasal passages, thin the mucus and clear it. This makes it easier to breathe when you have a stuffy nose. Spicy foods like chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin. This substance can also help reduce irritation in the throat when eating spicy foods. Note, people with stomach pain should not eat a lot of spicy foods.

Ginger is also one of the spicy foods that is very good for colds and coughs. When you feel nauseous with cough and phlegm in your throat, a cup of fresh tea with a little ginger is just what your body needs.

Ginger tea is soothing to a sore throat and also clears the throat. Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger also has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties. Pop a piece of ginger in your mouth when you feel nauseous.

Garlic is known to be beneficial for overall health. Adding a clove or two to chicken soup or broth will add flavor as well as help your body fight cold or flu symptoms. It is an age-old remedy that has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

5. Coconut water

When you have a cold or cough, your body tends to become dehydrated and tired. At this time, it is essential for the sick person to replenish their body with water. If you do not want to drink water, try drinking coconut water. In addition to being sweet and flavorful, coconut water is rich in glucose and electrolytes needed to fight harmful bacteria. You can boil coconut water, add a few slices of fresh ginger to increase the strength of this familiar drink.

6. Honey

People often use honey when they have a cough, especially when their throat is sore due to a bacterial infection. Honey is rich in antibacterial compounds, so it is known for its antibacterial properties. Drink a cup of warm water or tea with half a teaspoon of honey to relieve a sore throat.

Mix honey with a cup of warm water and drink in the morning and evening to help relieve sore throat.

7. Green leafy vegetables

Dark green vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as important plant compounds that help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the body. Green vegetables such as spinach and lettuce are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/7-loai-thuc-pham-nen-an-khi-bi-cam-lanh-172250216220010226.htm