One of the best defenses against poor health during cold and flu season may be a healthy and well-balanced diet.
A report on ABC News suggests that there are certain herbs and spices that may offer a particular boost to the bodys immune system as it fights off illness.
For example, oregano has been linked to an ability to protect against colds, flu, fever and indigestion. It contains both phenolic acids and flavonoids.
“In terms of herbs, [oregano] is the highest in antioxidant compounds,” registered dietician Dawn Jackson Blatner told the news provider. Oregano may be even more potent when combined with other illness-fighting foods such as garlic and tomatoes, the article said.
A spice that has been found to have cold-fighting properties is turmeric, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for centuries.
Studies have found that its main ingredient, curcumin, plays an anti-inflammatory role. Curcumin is also responsible for the curry spices deep yellow hue.
Some people also choose to take nutritional supplements containing immunity-boosting herbs and spices if they find they cannot incorporate them into their regular diet.