Ah-Choo!
We don't have 4 seasons in Singapore so it seems like all the months are good season to catch the flu. From the spreading of germs in public places, to getting the shivers from the occasional light rains and for not covering your blankets at night, there are a hundred and one ways to fall sick.
When you are down and out, the best way is to sleep and drink lots of water. Yet there are also some food you can eat to try and recover faster! Let's check out 7 different kinds here:
1. Chicken soup
Chicken soup for the soul, the age old cure of a bowl of piping hot soup might be mistaken as an old wives’ tale, but like so many traditional remedies, studies have found that it is actually true.
Chicken breast meat contains carnosine and it can boost the body's immune system, especially during the initial stages of infection by the cold. It also reduces inflammation, eases the uncomfortable flu symptoms and speed up your recovery process! These broth can even help to prevent dehydration and works well to soothe a sore throat. Definitely a must-cook for a sick person.
2. Nuts
Nuts are good particularly when your whole body aches. It is a great source of magnesium, omega-6 acids and calcium that helps to reduce muscle soreness and alleviates muscle cramps and pain. Other foods that are high in magnesium include bananas, beans, leafy greens and avocado, all of which can help in muscles relaxation and solve body aches.
3. Fruits rich in Vitamin C
If you do not have much appetite, fruits can help to give your body the nutrients, hydration and vitamins it needs to fight off the virus. Top in the list are berries as they have high antioxidants content and are great for toxins removal. A good source of vitamin C includes oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes. These fruits contain flavonoids, which can boost your immune system and can help get rid of your cold faster.
4. Honey
A natural antibiotic, grandma was right to ask you to drink more honey in warm water. It soothes sore throat and has been used as a folk medicine for centuries for various medicinal purposes. It can also be used as a laxative, a cure for stomachaches, and also for coughs. Doctors stopped prescribing honey in the mid 1940s when antibiotic pills became available, but honey can still do the trick, just at a lower dosage.
5. Yoghurt
While dairy products actually do cause stomach upsets and exacerbates mucus production, it is not wise to eat too much yoghurt. However, eating yoghurt for its probiotics is a great way to boost your immune system and relieve sore throat. It clears harmful bacteria from the body and you can always add fruits to it for added health benefits.
6. Garlic
There’s now science to back up the benefits of smelly garlic. The substance responsible is allicin, which is a powerful antibacterial only present shortly after garlic is crushed and uncooked! Eating fresh garlic is reported to fight against that horrible stuffy feeling during the initial onset of cold.
You can just pop a clove of garlic if you like the smell, or you can suck on the juices for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can crush and eat them with honey to remove the strong pungent taste. If you really hate the taste, probably you can buy those black garlic available in all supermarkets as those taste sweet and not garlicky at all.
