Top 10 Foods to Fight the Flu

Capsaicin, which is the substance that gives chili peppers their distinctive heat, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties. Hot chili peppers are a source of vitamin C. Capsaicin is believed to relieve congestion and nasal stuffiness associated with a cold.

Sources: Nurse Practitioner: “Chicken Soup Cure May Not be a Myth” June 2003 issue
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism: “Immune-enhancing Role of Vitamin C and Zinc and Effect on Clinical Conditions” December 21, 2005 issue
University of Maryland Medical Center: Echinacea
University of Connecticut: “Echinacea Could Cut Chances of Catching Common Cold By More Than Half” released June 26,2007
Microbes & Infection: “Antimicrobial Properties of Allicin from Garlic” February, 1999 issue
Health & Yoga.com: Benefits of Ginger Root
Green-Tea-Health-News: How Tea Works Against the Common Cold, Flu, Viruses
The World’s Healthiest Foods: Cayenne Pepper

Article by Maryann Gromisch