Which Vitamins help to keep cold and flu away?
As the winter nights draw in there is always a cold bug doing the rounds at home, work or school.
A good balance of essential vitamins and minerals, which can be obtained from a healthy diet or from food supplements, is vital for boosting the immune system and fighting colds and flu.
Here is our guide to the essential vitamins and minerals you need to make sure you stay healthy this winter.
Vitamin C
Is an anti oxidant and can protect the body from stress
Good for General health, Immune system, Healthy eyes, Wound healing, Tissue growth
Found in Citrus fruit, Blackcurrants, Kiwi fruit, Orange juice, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Mangos, Apples, tablets, gummys, effervescents
Zinc
Is particularly important because it boosts immune cells.
Good for Boosting immune cells, Cold and flu defence, Healthy skin, hair and nails, Normal growth and development
Found in pork, crab (canned is fine) , pitta pockets, Brazil nuts, pecans, pine nuts, sesame seeds, peanut butter, wholemeal bread, wholegrain breakfast cereals, tablets
Garlic
Helps to increase the antioxidative capacity of the body,
Good for Normal immune system, Resistance to stress, Healthy heart, Normal cholesterol
Found in Garlic, tablets and capsules
Vitamin A
Helps to keep the mucus membranes (linings) of your nose and throat healthy making them less likely to dry out in the winter reducing your chances of catching a cold.
Good for Healthy skin, Good vision, Hair and nails, Immune system
Found in Carrots, Liver, Liver pate, Eggs, Full fat milk, Cheese, Oily fish, Yoghurt, tablets
Echinacea
Experts believe it encourages the immune system to attack invading cold viruses and helps to reduce symptoms if you catch a cold.
Good for Protection from cold and flu, Cutting duration of colds, Boosting immune
Found in tablets and liquid form
Vitamin E
May act as an antioxidant and help protect cells against damage.
Good for fertility, stamina and endurance, boosting your immune system against infections.
Found in Vegetable oils, nuts & seeds, wheatgerm, brussels sprouts, leafy greens
Eating regular, balanced meals will help to give you a steady supply of energy minus the blood-sugar highs and lows that can come from a highly refined, junk-based diet. Similarly, replacing caffeine-rich drinks with beverages such as chamomile tea will help to reduce stress levels and, perhaps, your chances of catching the sniffles.
Today’s busy lifestyle means that it’s often impossible to eat a healthy balanced diet and food supplements can provide you with an easy way of getting the essentials you need to keep cold and flu away.
