8 Foods To Eat When You Have Cold

According to the New York Times database, more than 100,000 people in the USA have been affected by COVID-19 so far. The outbreak has particularly crippled states like New York, California, Louisiana, and New Jersey, where the number of coronavirus cases are rising rapidly as contamination efforts deteriorate. However, there is another issue that needs particular attention – the symptoms of coronavirus. 

According to WHO, the common symptoms of the coronavirus include runny nose, fever, and sore throat. Now, the twist is that these symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of cold and flu. And people with even symptoms like cold and flu (not tested positive for COVID-19) are either rushing to hospitals or consult a doctor online. Perhaps we can call it the coronavirus scare. So, in the wake of the coronavirus scare, and individuals who only have a cold, here’s a blog on food items that will help you get rid of a stuffy nose and sore throat. 

Vitamin- A Rich Food 

Vitamins are essential for a healthy body and according to a Harvard Medical School report, Vitamin A plays a key role in strengthening the immune system. Also, if you are suffering from a cold right now make sure you eat food rich in Vitamin A. You can eat carrots, sweet potatoes, collard greens, spinach, and even squash. All these food items will help you build the immune system and your body will get ready to fight all the symptoms of flu. 

Vitamin-D Rich Food

Vitamin-D-rich food, particularly milk, can help you fight the symptoms of a cold. According to a study published by the Massachusetts General Hospital, people with lower levels of vitamin D are more prone to colds. However, if you drink milk on a regular basis and eat cereal for breakfast, both these vitamin-rich food items will help you combat the symptoms of a cold. As an added bonus these foods will also help boost your mood. 

Green Tea

We all are well aware of the fact that green tea is full of antioxidants. And as a matter of fact, even if you are suffering from a cold a good flow of antioxidants in your body will help you build your immune system. Every morning a cup of green tea can help ease the symptoms that come along with a cold, especially sore throat. However, here’s a trick. Instead of boiling your green tea, brew your green tea cold. Because the levels of antioxidants are higher in cold-brewed green tea than in hot green tea.

Fish

Health experts suggest that fish like tuna and salmon can help reduce inflammation inside the body. You see inflammation inside the body can cause our immune system to function improperly. However, oily fish consists of omega-3-fatty-acids and these compounds are responsible for the decrease in inflammation. Also, a cold reduces the ability of the immune system to function properly. The reason why our body suffers from all symptoms like sore throat and runny nose. So, make sure you eat food that helps build your immunity. 

Blueberries

Blueberries contain the maximum number of antioxidants than ever found in any other fruit. According to researchers from Cornell University, blueberries are so rich in antioxidants that it may actually help you fight those constant sniffles. So, help yourself and eat some blueberries. You can eat them raw or introduce some in your breakfast cereal to add other essential vitamins. Also, don’t forget to avoid junk and other cold food that can make your cold even worse. 

Chicken Noodle Soup

In 2000, the University of Nebraska published a study explaining the health benefits of chicken soup. Through the study, it was revealed that chicken soups contain anti-inflammatory agents which, in turn, are effective at easing the symptoms of a cold. Although doctors are yet to find out how chicken soup works its magic through the human system. But most doctors believe that chicken soup is a nutrient-rich diet. And nutrient-rich diets help strengthen the immune system while fighting against inflammation. 

Tea

A cup of tea with natural expectorants like anise seeds can help you fight cold. Health experts recommend a cup of crushed anise seed tea with garlic, cinnamon, and honey in the tea. You can consume this tea three times a day and instead of adding garlic, try adding some peppermint to the tea. Experts also say that peppermint tea acts as an expectorant and decreases the density of mucus, responsible for cough and congested chest.