Winter Season Foods To Keep Your Healthy When the Weather Turns Cold
We all have started to feel that familiar chill in the air which means warm summer days are ending and the cool, fall and winter weather is setting in. While it may be a welcomed change, the shift in temperature also means that cold and flu season is upon us. Immune systems will weaken, a small sniffle will turn into a severe cold. You may easily find yourself reaching for the medicine cabinet more than you like.
When you can already feel your health being tested, you may be willing to try anything to stave away sickness. Luckily, there are a few winter season foods that you can try that will help you maintain your health throughout the upcoming cold season. Don’t wait any longer to take action- boost your immune system now with these foods!
Oysters
It may be a little surprising to hear that slurping down oysters can help you stay healthy but it’s true! They are one of the best winter season foods. Oysters are full of zinc with more zinc per serving than any other food out there. Zinc has been proven to reduce the duration of cold symptoms in adults and is a true natural cold fighter. So, if you feel a cold coming on, grab a dozen oysters and start eating!
Elderberry
If you have never heard of elderberries before, they are a small, dark berry that comes from the European Elder tree. Many people and drug companies use the berries to create a syrup which can be taken when a cold or flu hits. These tiny berries have been shown in numerous studies to have a significant impact on reducing the symptoms associated with the flu thanks to the berries natural antiviral properties. Many people swear by the magical powers of the elderberry and the research agrees. Elderberries treat flu symptoms and fight flu infection before it can even begin.
Fennel
The bulb of a fennel plant is the part that you may be most familiar with as it is an edible, delicious, licorice tasting food. But did you know that the roasted fennel you may love can also help cure your cold? Fennel is a natural expectorant which means that it will help clear up congestion and loosen a cough associated with a cold. The best way to get the maximum health benefits from fennel is to make a tea with the seeds so turn on that hot water and sit down with a hot cup of cold alleviating fennel tea.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are a common go-to food to help you stay healthy and for good reason- they are full of natural vitamin C! Vitamin C plays a very important role in helping boost your immune system and also helps to keep your energy levels up. So, when the weather turns cold, stock up on oranges, grapefruits, and lemons to help give your immune system the boost it needs to fight the cold weather colds.
Garlic
While you may love the taste of garlic cooked into your foods, you may learn to love it in its raw state as well when you hear about its amazing health properties. Garlic has a compound called allicin which contains sulfur which has been shown to boost immunity. In multiple studies, garlic was shown to help reduce the length of a cold and make the symptoms less severe. So not only can taking garlic regularly help boost your immune system and prevent illness but if you happen to get sick, it can also help make you better. Garlic is most powerful in its raw form or just barely cooked. Get ready for some strong tasting but very healthy foods!
This cold season, skip the medicine cabinet and just reach into your pantry filled with winter season foods. There are plenty of natural ways to help you stay healthy and happy so that you can enjoy the cool winter season.
