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5 Foods to Fight Off Your Spring Cold

As the weather changes and your mood brightens with the sunshine, your nose may also start to run when you catch a spring cold.

“Many things change with weather changes,” says Dr. Tom Campbell, M.D., at the University of Rochester, in an article in Men’s Health. “When you have a hurricane, tropical storm, or even a significant thunderstorm, you can have a drop in atmospheric pressure… putting you at risk for developing [flu-like] symptoms.”

In addition to washing your hands frequently, you can help ward off spring colds by eating immunity-boosting foods. Here are a few to try:

1.Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants found in any fruit. Antioxidants help the body protect itself against diseases and cell damage. Blueberries are high in fiber and Vitamin C, and they have a number of health benefits, including improving vision, clearing arteries, strengthening blood vessels, enhancing memory, and managing weight. Use these slightly sweet dried blueberries in cereals, cakes, muffins, salads, or just eat them as a snack!

2. Matcha Green Tea

Matcha green tea contains more antioxidants than virtually any other food, including Acai berries and pomegranates. It also contains high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid which lowers stress levels but preserves alertness. Mix it with hot water to make green tea, or flavor yogurt or ice cream.

3. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which inhibits viruses from replicating and can shorten the duration of colds and flu. They also contain tryptophan, the same substance found in turkey, which produces feel-good seratonin and eases anxiety. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds in your yogurt or salads, or pop a handful into your mouth. For an extra kick, try spicy or tamari pumpkin seeds.

4. Wheat Germ

The germ of the wheat seed is highly concentrated with nutrients, including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and immune-boosting choline and zinc. It’s perfect for baking or toasting on your own to make a breakfast cereal. Sprinkle on breads, cereals, and in smoothies and try it raw or toasted.

5. Noni Powder

Organic noni powder is loaded with antioxidants, polysaccarhides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This superfood is pure noni, with no additives. Use organic noni powder to make noni juice, or mix 1 tbsp daily into smoothies, yogurt, juices, or nut milks.

Find more foods to fight your spring cold in this article from ABC News. Which immune-boosting foods work best for you?

One Response to “5 Foods to Fight Off Your Spring Cold”

  1. Kaye Johnson

    Thank you so much for sharing this! I get colds every time spring comes. I badly need to stay away from these foods then. I’m starting to get frustrated with colds.

    Reply

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