Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Nutrients That Prevent Cold And Flu

Cold and flu prevention requires maintaining a healthy immune system to ward off infection. Beta carotene play a role in the function of skin and mucus membranes that line the nose and lungs. This is your body´s first defense against invading germs that could cause a cold or the flu. Beta carotene increases the presence of T cells, thus preventing colds and flu infections. In addition, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc all play a role in preventing colds and flu type infections.

Vitamin C has long been associated with prevention and treatment of the common cold, but unfortunately there is not much science to support the claim. However, while vitamin C does not have antiviral properties, for preventing colds and flu, but there is evidence that it has anti-inflammatory properties. This means that it can have an effect similar to over the counter pain medication, providing relief once cold and flu symptoms occur. Vitamin C also has plenty of other health benefits, such as being an antioxidant, so keep eating foods that contain it- just don´t expect it to be a miracle cure.

Orange vegetables and dark leafy green supply you with a bounty of immunity-boosting beta carotene. Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach, collard greens helps to improve immunity and thus preventing colds and flu. Once a cold or the flu has set in, consider incorporating some hot peppers into your diet if your appetite can tolerate it. Believe it or not, chicken soup stays on the list for foods to eat when you have a cold or the flu. Researchers have found that the soup actually have the power preventing colds and flu. Get even more benefit by adding plenty of fresh garlic

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