7 Immunity-Boosting Foods to Fight Colds and Flu

It is that time of the year, when you feel that telltale tingle at the back of your throat,  your head hurts, you can't stop sneezing and you can't breathe. You're definitely coming down with something. 'Tis the season for feeling sick.

Though precautions such as flu shots, vitamin shots and steering clear of sick peers and relatives may reduce our risk of catching the dreaded virus, but the preventative measures do not end there.

One of the best and easiest forms of defense may just be a grocery store away. According to experts certain foods can help boost the immune system and stave off a winter illness.

1. Garlic

It isn't the smell of garlic that scares away the bacteria that makes you feel sick, in fact, it is packed with sulfuric compounds such as allicin, which create immune-boosting effects. Chopping off raw garlic into tiny pieces and swallowing it as if it were a pill does the trick without leaving an awful breath.

2. A spoon full of yogurt

A daily morning dose of yogurt can help kick start your immune system. Yogurt contains probiotics, which are good bacteria to keep your immune system strong. It also helps support a healthy gut flow, which in return prevents from catching seasonal viruses.

3. Turmeric

One of the most common spices also crowned as superfood, turmeric, is often used in all local curry dishes. It's high in antioxidants and considered a natural anti-inflammatory. It has been shown that people who consume turmeric are less susceptible to cold, coughs and congestion. One of the delicious and old school ways of mixing this spice with warm milk and enjoying it daily can help give a quick immunity boost.

4. Broccoli

It might have your worst nightmare as a child but what this wonder vegetable does is twice the trick - it acts as an immune fighter and booster. This is because it is a cruciferous vegetable which helps naturally detox the body and prevent illness. Additionally broccoli contains the amino acid choline, which helps keeps cell functioning and aids a healthy gut lining. As if this wasn't enough, broccoli has high levels of Vitamin C and Calcium.

5. Half a grapefruit

By habit, most of us succumb to a glass of orange juice when we come down with a cold. However, a healthier alternate is reaching for half a grapefruit which helps reduce cold symptoms and the severity of cold symptoms. It contains less sugar and the red or pink varieties of grapefruit contain the antioxidant lycopene which boosts immune system functioning. Additionally, grapefruit's phytonutrients can also help detox the body.

6. A slice of watermelon

Watermelon isn't just a refreshing summer snack, it is an immune system-booster that we should be enjoying all year long. It is high in vitamic C, vitamin A and also has a large concentration of lycopene. The fruit also helps reduce infection, inflammation and free radicals.

7. Cinnamon 

Believe it or not, cinnamon can actually help boost our health. It is antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. Cinnamon bark contains beneficial oils that help improve digestion. Additionally, cinnamon helps boost circulation in the body that is great for wintertime and helps remove toxins in the body and 'warms the kidneys'. A generous sprinkle of cinnamon would be just fine!