Recent studies have revealed that ‘man flu’ is real. Contrary to what most women believe, men do not exaggerate unnecessarily when they are down with flu. The high testosterone level in men weakens their ability to fight the flu virus. As a result the flu symptoms tend to be more severe in men than in women. Hence, a man battling with flu need additional amount of foods that help in strengthening the immune system.
Here Are The Best Foods For Providing Fast Relief From Man Flu:
Watermelon
Watermelon is a rich source of glutathione, an antioxidant essential for boosting the ability of the immune system to fight infections. Moreover, watermelon helps in boosting the vitamin C level in the body, which is rapidly depleted when you are down with flu. The high water content of the fruit hydrates and cools the body, thereby providing relief from the flu symptoms fast.
Citrus
Citrus fruits are not only packed with vitamin C, the immune system strengthening nutrient. They are also loaded with flavonoids that help in restoring the normal activities of the immune system. The soft white skin present on lemons, oranges and grapefruits are especially rich in citric flavonoids that according to research are among the best nutrients for activating the immune cells.
Onion
Consuming onions when you are down with flu aids speedy recovery. Onion is an excellent source of sulfur based flu fighting anti-microbial compounds, If you dislike the strong flavor of raw onion, have onion soup or take onion juice with honey.
Chicken Soup
This time honored home remedy for cold and flu works wonders for man flu too. The lean protein strengthens the body and supports the healing process. Moreover, chicken is a source of an amino acid called cysteine that helps in strengthening the immune system. Furthermore, onion, garlic and spices added to the soup further enhance the healing property of chicken soup.
Mushroom
Mushroom contains two powerful flu fighting compounds – beta glucan and selenium. Beta glucan helps in stimulating the immune system by activating the macrophages. Selenium, a trace mineral recognized for its antioxidant activity, helps in improving immune response, thereby accelerating the healing process.
Yogurt
To speed up healing, add unflavored yogurt to your diet. Studies have shown that the live cultures in fermented foods help in strengthening the immune system. Regular intake of yogurt can even help in reducing your susceptibility to cold and flu.
Sweet Potato
A single serving of sweet potato meets more than twice your daily beta carotene need. Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, which is a vital nutrient for development of the immune cells. Hence, adding sweet potato to your diet helps in speeding up recovery.
Berries
To boost the healing process, pack your diet with antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables. Berries are the richest sources of antioxidants. Moreover, they are loaded with vitamin C that helps in strengthening the immune system.
Oyster
Oyster is an excellent source of zinc, a mineral that stimulates the immune system and helps in reducing the severity of flu. Moreover, increasing consumption of zinc from diet does not entail side effects such as headache and nausea associated with intake of zinc supplements.
Dark Chocolate
For fast recovery from man flu, eat dark chocolates. Cocoa is an excellent source of antioxidants. It contains more antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables. In addition, it contains zinc. Studies have shown that cocoa helps in activating the T-helper cells.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.