“When you have a stuffy nose or can't stop coughing, the best prescription might be right in your kitchen,” says Kathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. “During the transition from fall to winter, the following five foods can become great helpers for preventing colds.” The article she wrote was published in the latest issue of the American magazine *Prevention*.
Grains are rich in zinc, which is crucial for the immune system. Try whole grain soba noodles, or rice made with a variety of mixed grains.
The benefits of bananas are numerous, and for those with a weaker constitution, the vitamin B6 in them can help resist viral infections.
The active ingredients in spices like chili peppers, black pepper, and Sichuan peppercorns can prevent nasal congestion caused by a stuffy nose, allowing you to breathe freely at all times. Sprinkling some chili powder in soup or on pancakes is a good choice.
Sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of beta-carotene, which is involved in the "production" of white blood cells in the body and helps fight infections. They are great roasted or in soup.
When garlic is chopped, it produces an active ingredient called allicin, which helps prevent colds by inhibiting enzymes that cause infections. The best way is to add some garlic to cold salads. (Life Times)