Winter-proof Your Body With These Immunity Boosting Foods

here are a lot of great things to enjoy during winter such as early morning runs and going out dressed in your favourite leather jacket. But none of them are worth it if you are laid up in bed with a flu. We tell you what foods to eat for every meal so that your immune system is resistant enough to withstand the harsh effects of the cold.

Breakfast

© Shutterstock
For your most important meal of the day, try to have oats and barley. These grains are known to contain beta-glucan, which is a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. Top it up with a glass of juice that contains Vitamin C.

 

Lunch

© Shutterstock
Zinc deficiency is a real problem among Indians. Zinc is also an underrated vitamin that helps in the formation of white blood cells and fights against external bacteria that try to gain entry in the body. For non-vegetarians, this means including beef and oysters in your lunch whereas vegetarians can stick to beans, milk and other daily products to add zinc to their food. If nothing, try to add yogurt to your lunch menu. Yogurt  contains probiotics, or good bacteria that stay inside your body and fight off the bad guys to keep you healthy.

Evening drink

© Shutterstock
Chicken soup is one of the best ways to fortify yourself in the chilly months. This healthy broth is a proven combatant to bad bacteria and also helps to stay hydrated while clearing nasal congestion as well. If chicken soup is not your thing, stick to good old hot tea, preferably green tea, as it contains anti-oxidants and soothes the body from the cold outside.

Dinner

© Shutterstock
Winter is a good time to have some spicy food. The spice helps to create heat within the body that increases your body temperature to fight the cold temperature. Try to use rosemary, thyme and oregano if possible. Do add garlic to your dish as its active ingredient allicin is known to fight bacteria and increases antibody production. Black pepper is another spice that is effective in warding off flu.


credit from : http://www.mensxp.com