Foods to Fight the Flu

While you might think that Delivery Hero HQ is safe from the flu with a caped crusader at our side, unfortunately outside the spandex, we admit it, we’re all just a bunch of squishy mortals. So with winter getting its chill on, we’re getting ready to brace ourselves against those impending colds and flu.

A hearty chicken soup won't save your soul, but it's a cold-prevention measure.

So we’d like to share a little advice with you dear readers: before you head to the doc for a flu-shot, you might want to check out some natural ways to boost your immune system. In case you didn’t already know, there are a bunch of foods that can perk up your defences, like ginger, garlic, and chicken soup.

Chicken Soup   Yep, your grandma was right, scientists from the Nebraska Medical Center found that chicken soup does actually inhibit colds. So get cracking and make a pot! Chicken stock, garlic, and fresh vegetables like carrots and celery will help you fight off colds.

Of course if you’re feeling run-down already and too tired to cook, there are plenty of immune boosting takeaway soup options. Practically every culture has some sort of chicken soup recipe. Our tip would be a takeaway Thai soup like Tom Yum or Tom Kha Gai. That winning combo of chilli, garlic, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves is sure to fortify your immune system.

Don't be fooled by their innocent looks. Vampires are evil bloodsuckers.

Raw Garlic   Garlic isn’t just useful for keeping the fanged-undead at bay. Chowing down on raw garlic until you cry, will also protect you against common colds – in addition to warding off your loved ones (so you might want to share the garlic love around). Garlic is chock-full of those things called antioxidents which go around destroying free radicals and has been scientifically proven to prevent colds. But if you find eating raw garlic a little tough, here’s a secret tip: thinly slice a couple of cloves and put them on top of a piece of Vegemite toast. Besides disguising the taste a bit, it’s a little gentler on your stomach.

Alternatively, head to the Delivery Hero website and place an order with your local Italian place. Order some Bruscetta or a garlic pizza. That’ll do the trick!

fighting the undead and influenza since the beginning of time.

Ginger   Besides being a bit of an all-rounder (anti-nausea, stress reduction etc), ginger is also good for clearing your sinuses. Cut some thin slices for a fresh pot of hot ginger tea, and add lemon and honey for a kick-arse immune-boosting concoction. If you do feel a sore throat coming on, this one will be sure to nip it in the bud.

Or you could just order takeaway sushi for the wasabi and pickled ginger. We have to admit, we’re a little curious as to how your partner will respond to your justification: “honey, we have to order Japanese food, I’m feeling a little run-down….” Let us know how it pans out, and don’t forget to tell us your tips for keeping clear of colds and flu.

Sincerely,

your-fellow-mortals

Images: Tom Yum Goong: rich115. Karin Maaka from Chibi Vampire: Kevin Dooley. Garlic: DeeJayTee23;  flickr