HEALTH.COM – These foods may help ease cold symptoms and promote recovery.
1. Bananas
Bananas are easy on the digestive system and tend to remain one of the few appealing foods when your appetite diminishes due to illness. Bananas contain fructans, which are sugars that have antiviral properties and can promote immunity.
2. Berries
If you have a cold, try eating berries, such as blueberries and raspberries. These fruits have several healthful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.
3. Broth
Broth is a hot, water-based fluid often used for soups that you can sip when you have a cold.
The liquid has anti-inflammatory properties and amino acids and minerals that help support the immune system.
Opt for vegetable broth flavored with garlic, ginger, cayenne powder, turmeric, and black pepper. You can also use store-bought bone broth or make your own from beef, buffalo, chicken, or even elk bones.5
4. Carrots
Carrots may be added to broths or soups for flavor, but they also support the immune system with their beta-carotene (a vitamin A carotenoid) content.6
5. Chamomile Tea
A hot cup of chamomile tea may promote sleeplessness, which can help you feel better quickly.
Chamomile is a helpful antioxidant.8 This tea contains flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that may help you feel better when you’re sick.
6. Cherries
The high antioxidant properties of tart and sweet cherries are due to their high vitamin C content.
Although foods containing vitamin C do not prevent you from catching a cold, they can help ease your symptoms if you become sick.
Additionally, cherries support healthy sleep because they contain melatonin. Restful sleep is key to fighting off viruses and bacteria that make us sick. A lack of sleep can weaken your immune system …
