You’ve heard it, seen it and you may well have it – yes, the dreaded winter flu is doing its annual rounds. Avoid becoming its next victim with these five flu-busting foods full of wholesome goodness:
Chicken stew
The go-to meal for when you’re feeling a little under the weather. You may laugh at grandma’s quick meal quip, but it turns out there could be actual science behind the old dear’s suggestion. Research has shown the eating foods such as soup will raise the temperature in your throat and nose, creating an unwelcome environment for viruses, which thrive in cool and dry places.
Chicken also contains high levels of protein, which not only repairs muscles but contains anti-viral properties.
Beef casserole
Packed with carrots, peas and potatoes, this is a dish full of nutritional value. Not only will it back the science behind raising our temperature, but provide us with plenty of vitamins crucial to fighting infection.
The beef will also aid in recovery by giving you a healthy protein boost.
Mango yogurt curry
Chilli spices are great for warding off a cold. The spices found in curry can help promote the production of mucus. Sounds horrible, we know, but this actually helps toflush out all the nasty gunk you’re carrying round, giving you a nose you can finally breathe through.
Garlic and ginger are both anti-viral fighting agents, and if you want an extra health kick, serve with brown rice.
Salmon, sweet potato and spinach
In a 2009 medical study, those with low levels of vitamin D were 40% more likely to report a recent respiratory infection. Lucky for you, salmon is jam-packed with the stuff. As runners, our respiratory system is one of the most important parts of our anatomy; this should be looked after regardless of a cough or cold.
Sweet potato also contains a fine balance of vitamins A and C, while spinach has plenty of iron to helps distribute blood flow around the body.
Lemon, ginger, honey and cinnamon drink
Can’t quite stomach a meal but fancy a hot drink? This herbal concoction is little short of miraculous. Manuka honey is used as an antibiotic agent to fight superbugs in some treatments. Ginger is proven to help nausea, loss of appetite and pain. While a cinnamon stick can help with the common cold and a sprinkle of lemon will help the flavour.
