What is a Cold & Flu?
A common cold is caused by a virus that hits certain zones in our nose & mouth & can also include bronchus & sinuses. A cold may take between a few days to a few weeks to heal and, may also cause more serious problems such as: sinuse infection, bronchitis, otitis media & pneumonia. The symptoms generally consist of: sore throat (cough), sneezing, leaking nose, headaches & drowsiness. Cures include: Rest, analgesic, antihistamininc & decongestant medicine assumption. frequent hand washing is one of the most efficient measures to prevent the spreading of a common cold. According to the Center for diesease control & prevention (CDC), Flu (influenza) kills around 8500 people every year. There are 3 flu main viruses A,B & C. A & B viruses are the common ones we know of that present themselves regfularly every winter, whereas virus type C is a mild respiratory illness, however type A & B viruses can cause epidemies & have much more serious effect on health.
Did you know?
In order to cure colds, Aztecs prepared a beverage consisting of chili pepper, honey & tobacco. The chinese used tea to cure a cold already 3000 years ago, & still today this same plant produces ephedrine, a stimulant used to treat this type of illness.
The best foods against cold and flu are:
Apples
Apples contain a lot of important nutrients like vitamin C. Already back from 1947 researches have been conducted to prove the correctness of the saying <<an apple a day keeps the doctor away>>. The pectin found in apples has many antiviral properties against the virus that causes flu. Quercetin is a flavonoid found on the apple’s peel (therefore leaves your knives in their place), it has antiviral, anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidant properties, all of which inhibit the growth of the flu virus.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth is a good source of iron, vitamin A & sodium (27% RDA). In the beginning of the 13th century Maimonides; jewish scholar claimed that colds could be treated with a medicinal beverage today known as chicken broth. The hot broth alone alreadys soothes sore throats, & could be very ideal for curing colds, flu & respiratory inflammations, according to the ingredients added such as; carrots, onions & garlic, all ideal against cold & flu.
Garlic
Although garlic does not have many nutrients, it contains phytonutrients needed for lowering cholesterol & at the same time improve our immune system’s functions. Alliin & Allicin are 2 sulphuric compounds obtained from garlic & reknowned for the anti-biotical activities. Louis Pasteur was the first person to prove how garlic extract (juice) reduced bacteria, fungus & mold growth.
Elderberries
Elderberries are a very good source of vitamin C & vitamin A (betacarotene). These berries contain many plant nutrients such as; flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins & Tannins, all these help against inflammation, cancer & viruses. Out of all the beverages mentioned in this article, the one with elderberries (extract) is considered one of the most important due to its specific benefits in blocking type A & B flu viruses.
Green tea
Green tea has always been considered one of the healthiest beverages after water. It contains a lot of anti-viral properties that are not only good against flu virus but have also been proven very efficient against; herpes simplex virus, enterovirus, rotavirus, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Epstein-Barr virus & HIV.
Take a look at our tried and tested method: Anti-Diet
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