The most important thing when preventing flu or a cold is to have a strong and healthy body. And the diet performs a fundamental role in the correct functioning of our immune system.
Just as in summer we have a large number of light and refreshing fruits and vegetables with which to combat the heat and keep ourselves hydrated, in winter predominate pulses, fruit and vegetables which help us to fight off the cold, increase our defences y strengthen our immune system.
So the small gesture of making the most of the foods that nature places at our disposal within their seasonality represents a great step in the prevention of flu, colds and other conditions.
But, furthermore, the diet not only is it closely related to health and disease prevention, but it is also the best ally for recovering better, faster and naturally in the event of having fallen ill.
As the winter months feature flus and colds, from our Organic Tapas Bar, eco-friendly restaurant in Malaga, we want to share with you some winter seasonal foods which will not only help you cope with the cold, boost your defences and strengthen your immune system, but will also help prevent you from catching a cold or flu.
Foods to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds or flu
Among winter seasonal foods we find a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and meats that work wonderfully both for boost the immune system as if to prevent o combat colds.
Citrus fruits
Los citrus fruits they are the star product of the winter. Especially the oranges, tangerines, lemons y pomelos. Its high content in vitamin C help stimulate the blood cell production white people, which are the blood cells responsible for protecting and defending the body against infections and other pathologies.
It is essential to consume these fruits since the body neither produces nor stores vitamin C. A good way to have citrus fruits every day and fight colds is to drink a glass of lemon juice mixed with warm water every morning on an empty stomach.
Garlic and onion
Garlic and onions are excellent allies for preventing and curing flus and colds, improving the immune system, and tackling viral and bacterial infections. This is due to their antiseptic and expectorant properties (onion). And to the high content of allicin of garlic that makes it a food antibiotic y antiviral.
Chicken and turkey
Are you poultry They can be found and eaten at any time of the year. However, it is in winter when their flesh is richest and will provide us with the most benefits. The Chicken Meat Nutritional Information Centre (CINCAP) has highlighted that chicken meat contains a large amount of nutrients and amino acids that favour the proper functioning of the immune system and the defences.
In addition, both chicken and turkey are foods that not only help prevent illnesses, but also they help cure flus and colds. For a cold, there is nothing better than a lovely hot chicken soup to warm you up, soothe a sore throat and relieve the symptoms.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a winter vegetable very rich in vitamin A and C. Furthermore, it is packed with minerals y it has antioxidant properties. It is a key food for the proper functioning of the body and defences, which will also help you prevent flu and colds.
From the Organic Tapas Bar we hope you found this article interesting and we'd like to take the opportunity to remind you importance of eating seasonal food to enjoy good health.
Furthermore, to eat these foods you don't need to give up more elaborate or delicious recipes since they can be prepared in a great many ways. Even it is possible to eat out in a restaurant and watch your diet. At our organic restaurant in Málaga, we prepare all our dishes with organic and seasonal products. We invite you to visit our seasonal menu for further information.
