We all want to be healthy and immune to the flu. But this is one of the most delicate periods for viruses, so we have to be very careful. But what to do if we have a cold and a cough that "shakes" us from the place?
Yogurt is full of probiotics, which can help boost the immune system, according to Kristi L. King, a nutritionist at Texas Children's Hospital and a national spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Yogurt also contains another immune booster: zinc. Research shows that zinc can reduce the duration of cold symptoms, but its required amount is at least 75 milligrams.
Carbohydrates in yogurt provide the energy you need to heal from colds. A recent study, funded by the National Dairy Council, found that when women consumed yogurt daily for nine weeks, they had reduced inflammation in the blood.
Despite its ability to help fight colds, experts say there is no reason not to choose yogurt when you have difficulty swallowing.
" Yogurt is soft and comes down easily, so if you have a sore throat, or even a runny nose, it is comfortable to eat ," Rubin said.
For maximum benefits, it is recommended to eat plain yogurt with other foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, which contribute to the natural sweetness of the food. Combining yogurt with blueberries or strawberries will give you an extra dose of vitamin C and antioxidants to fight the cold.
