Page 7 - Thrapston Life February 2025

WINTER SNIFFLES
Fighting colds
It feels like everyone is fighting a cold or flu
at the moment and a question I often hear is, “What should I eat to cure it?” The truth is, by the time you’re feeling unwell, there’s no magic food that will make it disappear overnight. The best remedies at that stage are rest and hydration. However, there is some evidence that vitamin-C-rich foods can help shorten the duration of symptoms. Even better, supporting your immunity all the time with a healthy diet can hugely help to prevent catching colds and flu in the first place.
Since both colds and flu trigger inflammation in the body, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can help ease discomfort and support recovery. So, what should you be eating? A generally healthy diet, particularly Mediterranean-style, is a great basis for good health, but colourful vegetables and fruits are even more advantageous.
Let’s look at some seasonal UK veg:
Garlic, onions, and leeks
These tasty vegetables contain allicin, a sulphur compound with antimicrobial and immune- supportive properties. Research
shows that it stimulates the production of immune cells like macrophages and lymphocytes, helping the body fend off infections. Allicin also has antioxidant effects, protecting cells from damage caused by pathogens/bugs.
Cabbage and sprouts
These are high in vitamin C, essential for white blood cell (fighter cell) production and the overall health of the immune
system. They also contain glutamine, an
amino acid that supports immune cell activity. Fermenting cabbage into sauerkraut increases its probiotic content and supporting gut health, which is very closely tied to immunity. In fact, all natural fibrous foods will make your gut microbes perform better for you!
Carrots
Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, carrots support the health of your mucous membranes,
including those lining the respiratory tract. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining the integrity of these barriers, which act as the body’s first line of defence against invaders.
Purple sprouting (and other) broccoli
This delicious vegetable is high in vitamin C and sulforaphane, a natural compound that helps the
body protect itself from harmful substances and supports the immune system.
Kale and other dark leafy greens
Winter greens are packed with vitamin C, iron, and flavonoids like quercetin (also found in apples), which have antiviral
properties. They also provide beta-carotene – see ‘Carrots’!
Beetroot
Beetroot’s nitrates enhance
blood flow, aiding the delivery
of nutrients and immune cells throughout the body. Its betalains
(phytochemicals that give it its deep colour) have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Since we also have year-round access to lots
of other veg, such as aubergines, tomatoes, courgettes, and peppers, we can get even more immune-supportive nutrients into our diets. Dishes like ratatouille or a veggie stir-fry, or
a veggie soup with added beans, are tasty and simple ways to boost your daily plant intake.
Sally Pinnegar, Nuush Nutritional Therapist. Business hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5.30pm www.nuush.co.uk
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