The winters are here. As the temperatures drop, it brings high risk of getting sick due to the change in temperature. The ability of the body to fight viruses also drops and compensates the immunity. A study conducted in 2015 by the Yale University said, “when internal body temperatures begin to drop because of the cold air and wind, the body’s immune system also decreases in its ability to fight the virus that causes the common cold.” In order to improve the immunity of the body, you need to consume a few foods. Here are a few superfoods that can be added in the diet during the cold temperature months.
1. Green tea – This can be the healthiest of all the drinks that can be taken to improve the immunity of the body. Green tea is stuffed with anti-oxidants and can strengthen the immune system so as to help protect against cold and flu. Christopher Ochner, a research scientist in nutrition at the IcahnSchool of medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital said, “It’s the healthiest thing I can think of to drink”.
2. Oat Meal – Oat meal is also packed with plenty of minerals, anti-oxidants and vitamins. Just a half cup of oats contains:
Manganese: 191 percent of the recommended daily allowance
Phosphorus: 41 percent of the RDI
Magnesium: 34 percent of the RDI
Copper: 24 percent of the RDI
Iron: 20 percent of the RDI
Zinc: 20 percent of the RDI
Folate: 11 percent of the RDI
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 39 percent of the RDI
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 10 percent of the RDI
3. Honey – Honey is a great medicine for a sore throat and can also boast the immune system to fight against cold and coughs. A study conducted in 2014 said that honey was more effective than the cough suppressant dextromethorphan as well as the antihistamine diphenhydramine that is used to soothe the night time cough of children.
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