The best foods to eat when you have a cold

It's that time of year - where no matter how hard you try you're going to end up catching your co-worker's nasty cough.

But medicine isn't the only way to get back on your feet quickly when you come down with a cold or flu.

These 17 foods are the perfect way to soothe your symptoms and boost your immune system...

1. Yoghurt
   If all those adverts haven't taught you about the benefits of "good bacteria" yet, it's time to start paying attention. Yoghurt is a great source of probiotics that keep your gut healthy, which in turn helps alleviate severe cold symptoms. Have a bowl for breakfast to shorten your sickness by two whole days!
   
   
2. Eggs
   Whether you prefer them scrambled, poached or fried, eggs will give you a good dose of zinc to drown out your symptoms ASAP. Eat eggs within 24 hours of starting to feel sick to really notice the benefits.
   
   
3. Oatmeal
   Oatmeal is packed with beta glucans, a type of fiber that helps your body heal and supports the immune system. For a real booster add blueberries for antioxidants or banana for potassium.
   
   
4. Cauliflower
   If you want to shut down flu symptoms, cauliflower boosts glutathione - an antioxidant that gives your immune system some extra oomph.
   
   
5. Hot Drinks
   This might seem like a no-brainer, but green and black tea are key sources of antioxidants. While chamomile and ginger teas calm upset stomachs and reduce inflammation. Hot toddies may be the best choice of all — honey soothes the throat, steam opens up your sinuses and a bit of booze helps you sleep soundly.
   
   
6. Seafood
   Fish probably isn't the first food that comes to mind when you're sick, but oily varieties like salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which your body needs to help activate your illness-battling T-cells. Oysters also provide a boost of Vitamin C and E, plus zinc, which keeps cells healthy and ready to fight viruses.
   
   
7. Spicy Foods
   A spicy dinner should help flush out your sinuses in no time.
   
   
8. Fennel
   Fennel contains a bunch of Vitamin C and helps your body resist infectious diseases. Studies have shown that its presence in your diet might even allow your white blood cells to work at a higher level, banishing bacteria more effectively.
   
   
9. Carrots and Kumera
   The orange veggies are big on beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A — the key for keeping mucous membranes healthy.
   
   
10. Turkey and Chicken
    Lean protein provides the necessary energy to build antibodies and fight infection. You can also eat beans, nuts and dairy to get some protein in.
    
    
11. Garlic
    Calcium, potassium, and sulfuric compounds are all found in garlic. Studies have shown that people who regularly take garlic supplements have fewer colds during the winter months.
    
    
12. Red Capsicums
    Red capsicums have twice the amount of Vitamin C found in oranges, so citrus isn't your only option.
    
    
13. Chicken Soup
    Cysteine, an amino acid found in chicken, is a secret weapon for thinning out mucous. One big bowlful can calm a cough and relieve a blocked up nose.
    
    
14. Turmeric
    Gwyneth Paltrow and other celebs swear by this stuff! The "wonder herb" has anti-inflammatory properties that can do you all sorts of good, including fighting infections and lessening the damage caused by free radicals in your system.
    
    
15. Brussels Sprouts
    Half of your recommended Vitamin C for the day, these nourishing veges can also help to shield your cells from damage.
    
    
16. Coconut Water
    Dehydration is a common side-effect from having a fever. Coconut water has plenty of potassium for electrolytes and doesn't contain the high sugar levels that sport drinks do.
    
    
17. Ice Blocks
    Another way to hydrate is with frozen fruit juice treats. Ice blocks also feel great on a swollen or dry throat, with the extra fluids thinning out your mucus.

Source.