Cold season is in full effect and there are common food ingredients that help fight against stomach bugs and the sniffles. Your medicine cabinet may be fully stocked, but there are natural remedies that could make you feel better in no time too. If you prefer to go natural, check out the remedies you may already have in your kitchen.
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Can you guess the eleven food ingredients that are awesome at keeping you healthy during cold and flu season?
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Garlic
Commonly used in Latin cooking, garlic is a gem ingredient for more than just the taste. Raw or crushed garlic has the same ingredient found in penicillin called allicin, which helps fight respiratory and bacterial infections in the stomach.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Extracted from mature coconut kernels, extra virgin coconut oil contains lauric acid, which helps boost your immune system and serves as a powerful antibiotic. It also helps fight against high cholesterol and balances blood sugar levels.
Oregano
Used in natural herbal remedies for centuries, oregano has antibacterial properties that help heal everything from open-cut wounds and head colds to digestive infections.
Honey
The natural sweetener has an enzyme that releases hydrogen peroxide, which can heal cuts and wounds. Adding it to your tea can help cure colds and coughs. Just make sure to use the real deal since pasteurized honey won’t have the same effect.
Ginger
Don’t be afraid of its rough exterior. Once peeled, the root’s golden flesh has an ingredient known as gingerol. It can help fight infections in your stomach and mouth.
Cabbage
The veggie is high in vitamin C and can strengthen your immune system during cold season. In juice form, it is also known for healing stomach ulcers. One cup can provide 75 percent of your daily vitamin C intake. That is pretty impressive!
Anise
The strong spice is more powerful than you might think. Anise is known for aiding symptoms of diarrhea and menstrual cramps.
Pineapple
The juicy fruit has an enzyme called bromelain that is super helpful for digestion. Sounds like a great option for dessert!
Lemons
If life gives you lemons, then make lemonade. Yes, juicing these fruits are super beneficial thanks to compounds known as coumarin and tetrazine. They heal stomach virus and boost immunity too.
Cranberries and Blueberries
Popping these as a snack can help prevent urinary track infections thanks to them being packed with compounds known as anthocyanins.
