Eating Tips To Combat Winter Cold

Runny nose, sore throat and rasping cough- the chilly weather is a storehouse of these. One can, however, beat the chill if one ate foods that protect from the cold and boost immunity. Here’s a list;

• Garlic:
Garlic contains a strong smelling compound called allicin that has anti-bacterial properties. This compound in garlic can prevent attack by the common cold virus. One can include garlic in everyday diets by adding it to vegetables, soups and tea.

• Fenugreek:
While ideally used as a digestive aid, Fenugreek/methi also increases the resistance of the body against cold, allergy and viral infections.

• Ginger:
Ginger is not only beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea, arthritis and heart disease, it is also known to cure common cold, flu, headaches and other ailments common to the cold season. The important, active components of ginger are thought to be volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds such as gingerols and shagaols. These protect the body against cold.

• Peanuts:
Having a high concentration of proteins and vitamin B3, the presence of antioxidantsdefine in peanuts protects the body from the cold in the chilly weather.

• Millet/Bajra:
Millet, usually fed to birds, warms up the body in winters. Bajra seeds are also rich in phytochemicals, which lowers cholesterol. It is also rich in B-complex vitamins, vitamin E and contains a lot of fiber.

• Nutmeg:
Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat joint and muscle pain, a common problem during winters. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help the respiratory problems.

• Amla:
A natural antioxidant and the richest source of vitamin C, amla is highly beneficial in the treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis, disorders that get worse in the winter season.