7 Flu-Fighting Foods

7 Flu-Fighting Foods

This year, drug makers expect to produce 140 million doses of vaccine, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Below is a list of flu-fighting foods that can help in the prevention of the flu.

BLACK- EYED PEAS
These nutritious legumes are rich in zinc, a trace mineral that keeps your immune system in working order.  Pinto beans, peanuts, roasted pumpkin seeds and wheat germs are other good choices.

TOMATOES
Vitamin C rich tomatoes help fight colds and flu by boosting the body’s natural defense system in the same way their citrusy relatives do. One medium tomato provides 40% of your daily vitamin C, so have a glass of tomato juice at lunch and treat yourself to pasta with a tomato sauce for dinner.

CARROTS
They are rich in beta-carotene which your body uses to ward off infections. Other good sources are dark green vegetables, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and winter squash.

MUSHROOMS
These nutritional powerhouses heighten the body’s resistance to viral infections by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, a vital part of the immune system.  They are also rich in selenium; low levels of this element have been linked with an increased risk of developing more severe flu.

TEA
Green, black and oolong tea all coontain naturally occurring compounds that reduce the risk of flu, including quercetin, a powerful antioxidant, and L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally only in tea. Decaffeinated teas also contain amino acid, but herbal teas do not.

ALMONDS
These popular nuts are a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin E, which helps your ward off viral infections.  To maximize vitamin E absorption, opt for chopped almonds, almond butter or almond oil

YOGURT
Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods, Strengthen the immune system.  Not a fan of yogurt? Try cottage cheese, kimchi (a fermented Korean dish made of seasoned vegetables) or sauerkraut instead.

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