5 Foods that Fight-Off a Cold
December 13, 2012
•Emily Murray
•Sacramento
• 0 Comments
5 Foods that Fight-Off a Cold
A great way to increase immunity is naturally, with the help of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are in the foods we eat and considering that we all need to eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and lean meats we come in contact with many of them daily. If you do get a cold, or if it is cold season, you will immediately want to find ways to boost your immune system. Here are five great tasting and versatile foods that can help you get rid of a cold. These basics are even taught in schools for culinary arts. Students learn that food is not only enjoyable and tasty but also is functional.
Kiwifruit for Colds
This nutritious fruit is available in most grocery stores though it may be somewhat limited depending on the season. This fuzzy fruit contains high levels of potassium and vitamin C. Just one kiwifruit contains a day’s recommended amount of vitamin C and they are both easy to prepare and inexpensive. They are small enough to carry to work for a snack and you can easily remove the outer skin and slice up the kiwifruit. They make an unusual tasty addition to fruit salad too. Culinary school in Sacramento is lucky enough to have access to this ingredient all year round since California experiences the extended growing season.
Tea for Colds
A hot cup of tea assists in easing cold sympotoms. This is because tea contains polyphenols which are in many plant foods. There are a wide variety of teas to keep you from getting bored by the flavor. This beverage also contains caffeine to give you more energy. A cold often causes people to be tired therefore caffeine is beneficial. Drink several cups a day to get the full benefits of this drink. In the evening drink chamomile tea to help you relax and sleep better.
Tomatoes for Colds
There are many recipes which contain tomatoes. This versatile food contains vitamin C. Vitamin C is not stored well in the human body. Find a way to consume tomatoes at least once a day. So having a bowl of pasta with a tomato-based sauce is a fantastic way to stop a cold. Raw tomatoes are beneficial to boost the immune system too. Bright red tomato slices add intense flavor to sandwiches and other dishes.
Honey for Colds
This unusual food is created by honeybees. People collect honeycombs from beehives. The honey is removed from the honeycombs. It has a sweet flavor that is similar to sugar. When you have a cold it can soothe your sore throat. Studies have shown that honey has antibacterial properties. Honey also contains riboflavin and calcium. You can spread it on toast. A spoonful of honey adds an interesting flavor to hot tea. Honey can be drizzled on oatmeal.
Cayenne Pepper for Colds
This hot variety of pepper helps to thin the mucus in the sinus cavities. It can be used in recipes as a raw or cooked vegetable. Dried red pepper is also used to add flavor to dishes. The spicy heat of this pepper is from capsaicin. Capsaicin increases the flow of blood in the body too. Barbecue sauces often contain dried cayenne pepper. So having a plate of chicken wings slathered in hot sauce can help cure your cold.
If you enjoy learning about different foods and their roles in nutrition and health, you may want to consider looking into culinary school in Sacramento. Schools of culinary arts often offer several different programs and classes to appeal to any foodie.
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Sacramento. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Sacramento offers culinary arts and pâtisserie and baking training. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Sacramento for more information.
Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.chefs.edu/disclosures. Le Cordon Bleu® and the Le Cordon Bleu logo are registered trademarks of Career Education Corporation. Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary. Credits earned are unlikely to transfer.