Flu Season and Your Health
One of the most healthful foods given to man in the garden was the fruit of the vine. During the winter months when most people spend a greater amount of time indoors, fresh air becomes less available, leaving a host for the growth of flu and cold viruses. One of the best ways to improve your health when dealing with a cold or flu, is by boosting your vitamin C intake. A mixture of specific fruits along with a couple of root vegetables can aid you in this endeavor. A “flu boom” is a mixture of grapefruit, oranges, lemon, onion, garlic and peppermint. Why these? Let’s take a look:
Grapefruit - packed with nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Provides 64% of the daily allowance of vitamin C as well as providing for antioxidants which help protect your cells from bacteria and viruses, in addition, it contains vitamin A that helps against inflammation and several infectious disease. Grapefruit also provides vitamin B, zinc, copper and iron which work synergistically to promote immune function.
Oranges - are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, specifically vitamin C which is a water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals and can protect the body’s DNA against mutation but if you have the flu, oranges have 4,000 compounds of flavonoids which boost the immune system. Oranges are known to help reduce cold and flu symptoms.
Lemons - are high in vitamin C, fiber and other beneficial compounds. Lemons provide 31 mg of Vitamin C which is 51% of the daily recommended amounts. Research shows vitamin C reduces your risks of heart disease and stroke as well as protects the body by enhancing the immune system. Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant which strengthen the function of the immune system.
Onions - have shown they have the ability to fight free radicals in the body because of their polyphenol components. These polyphenols help to boost the immune system thus protect it.
Garlic - contains a number of nutrients - arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, selenium, etc. These compounds boost the virus-fighting T-cells which fight colds and flus. Research shows those who took garlic were among those who recovered faster. Adding zinc with the garlic boosts zinc’s effects by enhancing the body’s ability to absorb it because of garlic’s sulfur content.
Peppermint oil - acts as an expectorant which helps to opening the airways by clearing mucus and reduce congestion. The compounds in peppermint contain antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties. These help to fight symptoms within the respiratory tract.
Be sure to take care and follow the 8 Laws of Health: get plenty of sunshine, drink plenty of water, be sure to exercise daily, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, use temperance in all things, take in fresh air, get proper sleep and trust in God.