3. Garlic, Onions, And Leeks
Kissing is kind of out of the question when your nose is running like a hydrant, so you might as well indulge in this pungent garnish (along with its antiviral cousins onions, chives, and leeks) to fight that nagging cold.
“It has long been revered in its ability to help natural killer cells purge the body of invaders,” says Moreno. Garlic, in particular, contains allicin, which is associated with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-parasitic, and antioxidant properties.
These foods are also good sources of vitamin C, and they may help improve gut barrier function, Gustashaw notes.
4. Ginger Tea
Ginger earns its distinction as one of the best foods for a cold thanks to a chemical called sesquiterpenes, which specifically targets rhinoviruses, the most common family of cold viruses, as well as substances that suppress coughing. It also contains anti-inflammatory gingerols that can fight infection.
Adding a couple of tablespoons of shredded ginger root to your green tea could do the trick, but you can also look for ginger tea, ginger chews, or real ginger ale, although most of the canned stuff has very little real ginger.