Posted by admin | Posted in Foods, Health Care | Posted on 15-06-2009
When contracted the flu, the easiest action to do is to consume drugs purchased at pharmacies. There are successful, some are not, and should consult with your doctor. However, have you ever tried to help you fight against the flu by eating foods that boost immunity? You may have heard about the immunity booster foods such as garlic, zinc-rich foods (such as oysters and nuts), and foods rich in linoleic acid (hard cheese). But this food was not proven capable of combating the flu. The results of research by John La Puma, MD, author of Chef MD’s Big Book of Culinary Medicine, precisely describes the six types of food that is more effective in this seasonal treat disease.
1. Quercetin products: apples, onions, broccoli, tomatoes
Quercetin is one of the thousands of flavonoids, substances that give color to plants, and provide health benefits. According to La Puma, in a study that applied to mice, exhaustive exercise increases the potential for flu, but quercetin can defeat the negative effects. In another study involving cyclists, conducted by Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, quercetin is believed to help prevent the disease thanks to anti-inflammatory ingredients.
2. Chicken soup
This is not just a suggestion. Chicken soup actually has the ability to heal, according to La Puma. A bowl of soup can reduce nasal mucus or phlegm in the throat, and makes it easier to remove it. La Puma also said that chicken soup is more effective than the use of hot water. To get the health benefits and other anti-inflammatory properties, it is advisable to make chicken soup with vegetables instead of buying products packaged soups sold in supermarkets or just cooked with chicken.
3. Green tea
According to WebMD.com site, green tea provides a number of health benefits, from fighting the flu, cancer, and heart disease, and lower cholesterol, burn fat; prevent diabetes and stroke, and dementia. “Green tea has antiviral activity against influenza,” said La Puma, referring to the study of Dr. Rath Research Institute in Santa Clara, CA, and Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. White tea and green tea contains catechin levels (save the ability of flavonoids antivirus) which is higher than black tea or oolong tea. Black and oolong tea contain catechins did, and higher than green tea in the other polyphenols. So, in addition to being the second choice in the fight against flu, two types of this tea is good for general health.
4. Foods that contain vitamin D: salmon, tuna, sardines, milk, and cereal
A study conducted in the 1940s showed that rats that received a low vitamin D foods more susceptible to experimental infection of swine flu than they receive enough vitamin D. This research has not proven in humans, but La Puma and other experts believe that getting enough vitamin D may provide protection against swine flu. Vitamin is believed to cause the production of antimicrobial substances in the body.
Among the various types of foods that contain vitamin D, according to La Puma is the best source of salmon. Roast salmon can maintain the vitamin content. While cooking oily fish is best to steam and boil, rather than frying. Storing fish in oil (such as sardines) also allows the content of omega-3 and vitamin D it survive. By itself, remove the oil from canned fish also vitamin D will eliminate it.
5. Yogurt and kefir with bacteria that are still active
One blog post in Epicurious, Fight off the Flu with Delicious Yogurt Recipes, discusses a study that says that probiotics-good bacteria found in yogurt and some other foods can reduce flu symptoms. According to La Puma, probiotics has been shown to reduce fever, cough, and runny nose up to 73, 62, and 59 percent in children aged 3-5 years. La Puma suggested, when buying yogurt and kefir, be sure to label the packaging says “Live and Active Cultures” and the consumption of other foods ferment. Foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut provide both types of different bacteria, and certainly different benefits.
6. Pungent spices, or fruit with vitamin C
Spicy herb not only helps clean the sinuses, but also a source of vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce the occurrence of pneumonia, followed by the flu. Contain vitamins and encourage the production of antiviral antibodies, clear La Puma. If you can not stand spicy, replace with fruit, enriched with vitamin C, such as guava, oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe, and papaya.
