Superfoods that Protect from the Flu

With the varying temperatures and swooping cold and sickly weather, the flu makes its appearance. There are numerous ways of dealing with it but they are not always as effective as we would wish.

The most appropriate way is to protect ourselves from the initial phase - infection. And this can happen with the aid of the right foods, doctors recommend. The consumption of these foods leads to decreasing the possibility of getting sick from the flu during the winter season.

First on the list is garlic. It also goes by the name of "Russian penicillin" because of its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is one of the best aids to the immune system. This is mainly due to the fact that it contains 17 different substances that strongly boost our immunity.

In order to obtain the maximum amount of benefits from it, it is best to consume garlic fresh or in dishes. If however, your stomach can't handle it well, you can also take it in the form of tablets. Besides stabilizing your immune system, this healthy habit will decrease your stress levels.

Another remarkably healthy food that will protect you from the flu is honey. It is jam-packed with nutrients - it contains 22 amino acids, 27 minerals, a full spectrum of vitamins and 5000 live enzymes. A recent study shows that honey is more effective in treating coughs than any drug.

Blueberries are not only scrumptious, they can also help in augmenting your immune system. They have a powerful antioxidant effect on the body and stimulate the immune system.

Antioxidants can be found in strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. It is in blueberries though, that they are found in the highest quantities. They help cells shield themselves from free radicals and defend against aging, cancer, influenza and a series of other diseases.

Green tea is also among the super foods in the fight against the flu. This is because it contains special types of polyphenols, called catechins. They can kill the flu viruses.

The study reveals that green tea is a rich source of the antioxidant catechin, and even more specifically, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), that strengthens the body's ability to fight infection.