Sure Shot Foods To Help Combat Sick Days & Recover Quickly
A hoarse voice, red eyes, runny nose – they all scream the symptoms of cold or flu. Considering the rapid global temperature fluctuations, such occurrences may not even be as rare as one might think.
But, even common sicknesses require quick attention if recovery is a priority. Thus, we’ve compiled a list of homemade vegetarian foods that you can have to become healthy quickly. Please note that these foods are just some advice to provide comfort and do not replace medicines that may be required.
1. Tomato Soup
Tomatoes are allies for the immune system. Vitamin C promotes the development and maturation of white blood cells, which are at the frontline to control antigen-triggered reactions. In the case of flu, the antigen could be a virus. Additionally, tomatoes contain lycopene. Lycopene decreases inflammation and can immensely help with the common cold.
Making tomato soup is easy. The preparation involves simmering the tomatoes and puréeing until smooth. The purée can be added to sautéed onions, garlic, lemon grass, and other aromatics as desired.
As a side note, adding lemon grass to tomato soup can work wonders, as lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
2. Porridge:
- With salted vegetables, rice and lentils
Rice and lentils are great sources of carbohydrates and proteins. Eating this type of porridge fulfills the body’s carbohydrate needs, boosting the usually low energy levels in people with fevers. Vegetables like bottle gourd, peas, and cauliflower can be added to enhance taste and specific nutritional content.
The preparation involves boiling rice, lentils, and vegetables – a task that won’t strain the body much. Once they soften, rice, lentils, and vegetables are mashed and mixed with water, salt, and some spices. This mixture is put on the stove to be cooked until it achieves a thick consistency.
- Sweet oatmeal porridge
It’s normal for people to crave something sweet during sick days because their body energy levels are often lower than usual. A healthy way to address the sweet tooth is to prepare oatmeal porridge with minimal sugar.
Porridge is easy to make, requiring just a thorough boiling and mixing of oats, sugar, and milk. It can be garnished with dried fruits.
The slimy texture makes the porridge easy to swallow for those with strep throat. Porridge is also an easy-to-digest food.
3. Vegetables sautéed with Ginger and Garlic
Ginger and garlic have antioxidants that help the immune system fight off pathogens. Adding vegetables to this blend enhances taste and nutritional content. The best part of this dish is the diversity of choices it allows. The cook is free to blend in any vegetable or flavor of their choice as long it won’t trigger allergies to ginger and garlic.
It should be kept in mind that some people may find this dish difficult to digest if their digestive system is under-functioning due to sickness.
4. Lemon Ginger Tea
For those looking for instant relief from nasal congestion, hot lemon ginger tea would work the best. Lemon and ginger are likely to increase mucus flow, easing nasal and throat congestion. However, those consuming this tea may feel a hint of spiciness on their tongue. This is likely because of the ginger. Thus, it’s recommended to take small sips to avoid irritating your palate and triggering a reflux.
Pro-tip: Add honey instead of sugar to keep artificial sweaters away from your tea. This will also enhance flavor!
5. Cranberry Juice
If some fresh cranberries are lying around, a person down with a cold may want to make juice out of them. They have nutrients that help mitigate oxidative stress from free radicals.
It is generally advised to consume cranberry juice before a meal or after sufficient time elapses after a meal.
What to be wary of:
Before consuming anything listed here, consumers should consider the reaction of different ingredients to their existing medical conditions or medicines. For instance, cranberry is a blood thinner, so it won’t be good for a person with bleeding disorders like hemophilia.
Ending note:
To get the most out of all these suggestions, it’s highly advised to cook at home rather than ordering from a restaurant. Nowadays, online grocery services ease access to fresh ingredients without stepping out. Thus, they’re great for people feeling under the weather.