Eat right to keep the flu virus away.

In spring, all things come back to life, and it's also a good time for bacteria and viruses to breed. In early spring, the alternating cold and warm indoors and outdoors, and the large temperature difference between day and night, make it a high season for the flu. Diet is an effective and delicious way to prevent the flu. So, what foods can help prevent the flu?

Red Mushroom Chicken Soup

1. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is known as "natural penicillin." Drinking a bowl daily can help alleviate flu symptoms. It not only replenishes protein and water but also has certain anti-inflammatory effects. During sensitive periods, drinking more chicken soup can help healthy people improve their immunity and keep the flu virus at bay.

2. Almonds

Research has confirmed that sufficient vitamin E in the body can significantly enhance the infection-fighting ability of T cells, whether in the elderly or young people. Therefore, it is important to eat foods rich in vitamin E, such as almonds, malt, and various dark-colored vegetables, especially during the flu season. Extracts from almond skin can help us fight against various viral infections, including the common cold and flu.

3. Tuna

Tuna is rich in selenium, which helps protect cells from damage by free radicals and enhances the body's immunity. You can eat more canned tuna or make it into sandwiches to turn it into a healthy food that fights the flu.

4. Bananas

The rich vitamin B6 in bananas helps fight inflammation and boost immunity. Eating bananas with whole grains like oatmeal is a "double insurance" against cold viruses. Research suggests that bananas can increase white blood cells, improve immune system function, and enhance the body's ability to resist diseases, which is especially effective for patients and the elderly.

5. Kiwi

Kiwi fruit has a heat-clearing and diuretic effect, is rich in antioxidants, can enhance resistance, reduce the entanglement of bacteria and cold viruses, and can also enhance cardiovascular function. It is recommended to eat two fresh, peeled kiwi fruits daily to get enough vitamin C from natural foods to strengthen your resistance.

6. Lean Meat

When the body lacks protein, the number of lymphocytes in immune cells decreases significantly, causing a serious decline in immune function. Protein is mainly obtained from lean meat. For those who don't like meat or the elderly with poor dental health, tofu, beans, nuts, and eggs are also good alternatives.

7. Onions

The antibacterial effect of onions is well-known. Its spicy taste can resist spring flu. Onions are like a "generic drug" for treating the flu. You can add onions to food, make syrups and porridge, all of which can help you quickly get rid of the uncomfortable symptoms of the flu.

Oyster Tofu and Cabbage Soup

8. Oysters

Among all seafood, oysters are the richest in zinc. Zinc helps the body fight the flu. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that taking zinc supplements can shorten the duration of a cold in adults.

9. Houttuynia cordata

Houttuynia cordata can enhance the phagocytic function of white blood cells and is quite effective for some respiratory and intestinal inflammations. It can also improve the body's immunity, significantly inhibit pathogenic microorganisms, and has a positive effect on the prevention and relief of influenza and spring bacillary dysentery.

10. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits can also prevent colds. It is recommended to eat them whole, including the pith, to moisten the throat for better effect. Recent research has found that increasing vitamin C intake is very effective in preventing colds, and oranges are rich in vitamin C.

11. Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a powerful antibacterial and antiviral substance. Therefore, eating garlic can promote the body's rapid recovery, and regular consumption can protect the body from viruses and bacteria.

12. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the best food source of beta-carotene, which helps the body produce enough white blood cells to fight infections caused by cold viruses. Sweet potatoes can be prepared in various ways, such as steaming, roasting, or making sweet potato puree.

13. Mushrooms

Don't think that mushrooms are not nutritious just because they don't grow tall. Mushrooms contain minerals selenium and antioxidants. Low selenium levels in the body often increase the risk of severe colds. Mushrooms also contain B vitamins riboflavin and niacin, which play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system.

In addition to diet, we should pay attention to maintaining good hygiene habits in our daily lives: wash hands frequently, change clothes and bedding often, ventilate rooms often, go outdoors to breathe fresh air when possible, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and adjust clothing according to the weather. As long as we do these things, the flu virus will not invade our bodies.