Five Feel-Better Foods When You Have A Cold

It's that time of year where you'll find yourself feeling under the weather more often than usual. This is because our immune systems are more susceptible to cold & flu during the colder seasons. As the days get shorter, and the nights get longer, we are exposed to less sunlight and thus less natural vitamin D – which helps to power a healthy functioning immune system. This consequently makes us more vulnerable to infection. Luckily, we can help support our immune system through the foods we eat and drink! Why not start with these five nutritious go-to foods that you can easily add to your existing diet? 

1. Ginger 
Part of what's called the zingiberaceae family, ginger is a rhizome (aka an underground stem) that is common in many Indian cuisines. But perhaps it's time we start including this as a spice in our diets more often during the wintertime. Ginger has many health benefits as it has both anti-inflammatory & antibacterial properties, which makes it the perfect immune booster. You can consume more ginger in your diet through herbal teas, adding ginger juice to your smoothies, or adding it to your baked goods. 

2. Raw Honey 
Honey provides a range of health benefits, particularly raw honey, which comes straight from the beehive. Raw honey contains bee pollen and bee propolis. It also naturally also contains many antibacterial & anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antioxidants that can help reduce free radicals in the body, which ultimately leads to a stronger immune system. Try adding a teaspoon of honey to your teas, or drizzle it over your oats or yoghurt. 

3. Bone Broth 
Bone broth contains may important nutrients, some of which are known to have incredible benefits to the immune system. The amino acids found in bone broth, including glycine and arginine, have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Arginine, in particular, may be especially beneficial for fighting chronic inflammation which can help reduce the severity and severity of the common cold. In order to make a nutritious broth, it's best to use a variety of bones, and add vegetables, herbs or spices to your broth to enhance the flavour.

4. Garlic
Did you know that the use of garlic for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient history? There's about 450 types of garlic, and all contain a ton of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In particular, the bulbs are packed with potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, beta-carotene and vitamin C, which are all nutrients that can help boost your immune system when you feel a cold coming on. You can consume more garlic in your diet by adding it to stews, sauces and your salad dressings.

5. Soups
Not only are soups a heart-warming way to feel better, they are also packed with plenty of vitamins and minerals from a variety of vegetables. Make your own immune-boosting soups from left over, limp or wilted vegetables, or try the flavourful Australian Organic Food Co pre-packaged soups that are ready to heat and eat! The Chicken and Vegetable Soup, pictured below, is deliciously perfect for when you're feeling under the weather. You can purchase it and the rest of the ready to eat soup range online through Auspantry.

Don't forget that regular physical activity, staying hydrated and getting enough rest are also just as important as a healthy diet this cold & flu season.

Aus Pantry Team x