food for cold and sore throat; 23 functional foods and drinks for immediate treatment

Eating the right foods is very important in treating colds, and that’s why many people look for a list of foods for colds and sore throats to spread the disease in the best way. Some foods help the body to fight disease. Such foods help relieve some symptoms and even help you recover faster. This article introduces some effective and valuable foods and drinks to answer what to eat to treat a cold. Stay tuned with us.

1. chicken soup

Chicken soup is the best food for cold and sore throat. A study showed that the healing properties of chicken soup are due to the presence of a substance called “carnosine” found in chicken breast and natural chicken broth, which helps the immune system fight flu symptoms. In another study, researchers concluded that chicken water, besides acting as a placebo, has other effects.

In this study, researchers investigated the effects of chicken soup on the nasal mucosa of three groups of patients. The first group drank cold water, the second drank hot water, and the third drank chicken soup. The results showed that both hot water and chicken soup helped relieve nasal congestion in patients, but chicken soup was more effective.

2. Chicken water

Chicken broth, like chicken soup, is a good source of water the body needs during a cold. Chicken broth contains calories, vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, folate and phosphorus. Drinking chicken broth while still hot will be a decongestant and help relieve throat congestion.

Eating chicken broth is an excellent way to keep the body hydrated. Making chicken broth at home is better than buying ready-made chicken broth. In this case, its properties will increase, and the amount of calories, protein and nutrients will also increase.

3. Kiwi

Kiwi is great for treating colds. A study found that eating kiwi as a snack can relieve cold symptoms and even shorten the duration of the illness. In this study, the participants were divided into two groups. One group ate four golden kiwis daily; the other ate two bananas daily.

Eating kiwi as a snack can relieve cold symptoms and even shorten the duration of the illness.

This study showed that the sore throat of the people who ate kiwi improved three days earlier than the other group. Also, the heaviness of the head in these people was relieved four days earlier than the group that ate bananas. Golden kiwifruit dramatically increased the amount of immune-boosting electrolytes in red blood cells.

4. yogurt

In one study, researchers monitored 198 students. They examined the effect of 12 weeks of probiotic supplements on the duration and severity of colds. This study showed that the students who consumed beneficial bacteria recovered two days earlier than those who received a placebo. The severity of their symptoms decreased by 34%.

The researchers claimed that probiotics may improve the body’s inflammatory responses. Some yoghurts contain probiotics. Look for yoghurt that contains live, active bacteria.

5. garlic

Garlic has many health benefits. It has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries. This plant has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. A few human studies have investigated garlic’s effects on treating the common cold and flu. One study concluded that people who consumed garlic had fewer colds than others.

Another study showed that people who took garlic not only got fewer colds, but if they caught a cold, they recovered an average of 3.5 days sooner than the other group.

In addition, several other studies have shown that garlic supplementation can improve immune system function and reduce the severity of colds and flu. Adding garlic to chicken soup or chicken broth will make them taste better and increase their effectiveness in fighting cold and flu symptoms. In general, garlic is very influential in cooking for colds and sore throats.

6. coconut water

One of the most important things to do when you have a cold is to keep your body hydrated. Staying hydrated is especially important when you have a fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, or sweating profusely. All these complications can cause you to lose a lot of water and electrolytes. Coconut water is an excellent drink to treat colds.

Coconut water helps rehydrate the body after exercise and mild diarrhoea.

Studies show coconut water helps rehydrate the body after exercise and mild diarrhoea. Also, compared to similar drinks, it causes stomach upset less. Additionally, several animal studies have concluded that coconut water contains antioxidants that fight oxidative damage and may improve blood sugar control.

However, one study paradoxically concluded that coconut water caused more bloating than electrolyte drinks. It is better if you have not tried this drink before; eating it in small amounts first is better.

7. Hot Tea

Indeed, you also enjoy drinking hot tea when you have a cold. Like chicken soup, hot tea is a natural decongestant and helps clear sinus mucus. Be careful that the tea is not so hot that it irritates your throat worse. You don’t have to worry about tea dehydrating your body.

Although some teas contain caffeine, the amount is far less than what would lead to dehydration. Drinking hot tea throughout the day will keep your body hydrated and relieve your sore throat. Tea also contains “polyphenols,” natural plant compounds that may have several health benefits.

These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. “Tannins” are a type of polyphenol found in tea that acts as an antioxidant and has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

An animal study conducted on rats showed that tea reduced the growth of bird flu in mice. Clinical studies showed that different types of tea are effective in relieving cough and sore throat.

8. Almonds with skin

Almonds both prevent and cure colds. It is better not to peel the almonds. One study found that skinless almonds had less effects on the immune system.

9. honey

Honey has antibacterial solid effects because it contains many antimicrobial compounds. The antibacterial effects of honey are so strong that in ancient Egypt, they used it to cover wounds. Some evidence suggests that honey can also positively stimulate the immune system. These features alone make honey an excellent food for immediate cold treatment.

If a bacterial infection causes your sore throat, consume honey. Many studies show that honey prevents coughing in children. However, you should remember that honey should not be given to children under 12 months.

Mix half a teaspoon of honey with a glass of milk, water or hot tea and drink it when you have a cold. This drink is hydrating and antibacterial and also relieves cough.

10. ginger

Ginger has known effects in relieving nausea. It has also improved nausea in pregnant women and people undergoing cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy). In addition, ginger acts as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

This tasty spice has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer properties. If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, ginger is what will help you relieve your symptoms. This spice is also helpful in treating colds. To take advantage of the properties of fresh ginger, use it in preparing different foods or tea.

11. Spicy food

It may be strange to answer what is good for colds, but spicy foods also help treat colds, so if you are looking for food for colds and sore throats, you should pay special attention to spicy foods. Spicy foods like chilli peppers contain capsaicin, which gives you a burning sensation if you touch it. High amounts of capsaicin can have numbing effects, which is why it is used in pain-relieving gels.

Many have reported that eating spicy foods thins their nasal mucus and clears their sinuses. However, some studies have yet to confirm this.

Eating spicy foods thins the nasal mucus and clears the sinuses. However, some studies have yet to confirm this.

Some people use capsaicin nasal spray, which has been shown to have good results in relieving nasal congestion and itching. However, capsaicin also stimulates mucus production so that you may experience a runny nose.

Cough relief is another property of capsaicin. One study concluded that taking capsaicin capsules relieved the symptoms of chronic cough in people. However, take capsaicin daily for several weeks to get the above results. If you have an upset stomach, avoid eating spicy foods. These foods cause bloating, pain and nausea in some people.

12. the banana

Banana is an excellent food for instant cold treatment. This sweet and delicious fruit contains various calories and nutrients. Bananas have soluble fibre. If you have diarrhoea, bananas are one of the best foods because their fibre can help relieve diarrhoea.

13. Which other

Oats, like bananas, contain calories, vitamins and minerals necessary for the body during a cold. Oats contain protein, so half a cup has 4 grams of protein. Oats have other properties for health; For example, they positively stimulate the immune system and improve blood sugar control.

An animal study in rats found that beta-glucan, a type of fibre found in oats, helped reduce heart and intestinal inflammation. This can be useful for relieving symptoms such as diarrhoea and bloating.

14. some fruits

Fruits are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre, strengthening the body and the immune system. Some fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries, have beneficial compounds called “anthocyanins”, a type of flavonoid among the foods that are useful for colds. Anthocyanins make berries an excellent option for treating colds, as they have potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and boost the immune system.

Several studies have shown that fruit extracts contain high amounts of anthocyanins, which can prevent common viruses and bacteria from sticking to cells. These compounds also stimulate the reaction of the body’s immune system. Drinking orange juice when you have a cold is a common habit. This drink contains vitamin C, which helps reduce cold symptoms and heal faster.

15. Avocado

Avocado is a strange fruit because it is low in carbohydrates but high in fat. This fruit contains a lot of monounsaturated fats, which are also found in olive oil. Avocado is a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

This fruit is an excellent option for treating colds because it provides the necessary calories, vitamins and minerals for the body. Avocados help reduce inflammation because they contain healthy fats, especially oleic acid. Inflammation plays a vital role in the functioning of the immune system.

16. Salmon fish

Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation caused by colds. Inflammation slows down the immune system. Therefore, by eating salmon, you can help your cold recover faster. Salmon is the best food for cold and sore throat among seafood.

17. carrot

Carrots help strengthen the eyes, but their vitamin A strengthens the immune system, essential for fighting diseases and treating colds. The best way to get all the nutrients in carrots is to eat them raw.

18. Strawberry and blueberry

As we mentioned above, strawberries and blueberries help treat colds. Strawberries contain anthocyanin, which not only gives them their red colour but also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. If you feel like you will catch a cold, stop yourself from getting sick by eating strawberries.

Blueberries contain a lot of antioxidants. Antioxidants contain flavonoids, which reduce cell damage and boost the immune system. Both of the mentioned examples will help you in the treatment of cold.

19. Green leafy vegetables

You must get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs when sick. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and lettuce are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. These vegetables are a good source of vitamins A, C, folate and vitamin K. Vegetables with dark leaves are also rich in beneficial plant compounds.

These compounds act like antioxidants, fighting inflammation and protecting cells from damage. Leafy vegetables have antibacterial properties. Kale is also a superfood that contains quercetin. It is believed that this compound has antiviral properties.

20Turmeric

Curcumin in turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory compound. Research has shown that this combination improves the immune system and the body’s antibody response. Turmeric is beneficial in the immediate treatment of colds.

21. Chamomile tea

Drinking chamomile tea is associated with increased antibacterial activity in the body. This drink also helps you sleep better, essential to protect your immune system. One study showed that postpartum women who drank chamomile tea for several weeks experienced improved sleep quality compared to those who did not.

22. walnut

In addition to being one of the best anti-inflammatory foods, walnuts contain various nutrients such as vitamins E and B6, copper and folate, effectively reducing mental stress. As you know, stress weakens the immune system, resulting in frequent colds.

 Research has shown that various nutrients in walnuts, such as vitamins E and B6, copper and folate, effectively reduce mental stress.

23. Pomegranate juice

Pure pomegranate juice is another drink that strengthens the immune system due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown that the flavonoids in pomegranate juice reduce the duration of a cold by 40%.

Pomegranate contains strong antibacterial and antiviral effects that prevent food-borne bacteria and viruses, such as E. coli and Salmonella. One review concluded that flavonoid supplements can shorten the duration of a cold by 40%.

Final point

Resting, drinking fluids, and getting nutrients are all helpful in treating cold symptoms and healing faster. Some foods help to cure colds and provide the necessary nutrients to the body in a fantastic way. No food can cure a cold; However, eating the right foods strengthens the immune system and relieves cold symptoms.