It's cold and flu season and it's important to be aware of all the things that can make us feel better and make us heal quicker.
We have put together a list of the top ILIOS foods to help you get back in tip top shape as soon as possible. Loaded with minerals and vitamins and immunity-boosting properties, these foods and recipes will help you avoid getting sick and if you did happen to catch a cold or flu, will have you feeling better in no time.
ILIOS Broths
Drinking warm chicken broth is a good way to help you stay hydrated. It helps to loosen and break up nose and sinus congestion.
Drinking broth is a good way to replenish these nutrients while you have the flu. Plus, protein is important for rebuilding immune cells.
Chicken soup combines the benefits of broth along with additional ingredients. Cut-up chicken provides your body with iron and protein, and you’ll also gain nutrients from carrots, herbs, and celery.
You can eat chicken soup throughout the duration of the flu to help keep you hydrated and satiated.
CLICK HERE for a quick and easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe from All Recipes.
ILIOS Lentils, Chickpeas and Beans
Lentils, chickpeas and other types of beans are high in zinc. The mineral zinc is important for your immune system. This nutrient helps your body make germ-fighting white blood cells.
Research shows that zinc might help ease cold and flu symptoms. Zinc helps your body fight the flu virus and may slow down how fast it multiplies.
ILIOS Spinach
Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens can also help boost your immune system when you have the flu.
They have both vitamin C and vitamin E, another immune-enhancing nutrient.
Why not mix your daily requirements of leafy greens with legumes and broth and create a trifecta of healthy foods? CLICK HERE for a recipe for a super nutritious chickpea and spinach soup.
ILIOS Rice Cakes
If you have a bad case of the flu, chances are your stomach is feeling a bit upside down. It's best to stick to eating small amounts of food at a time. Try hand-sized portions.
The stomach flu can give you nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Bland foods are easier to digest and may help ease your stomach symptoms.
ILIOS rice and corn cakes are the perfect easy-to-digest snack. Drizzle with a little bit of honey since honey has been found to have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties.
ILIOS Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in Vitamin C which is an important nutrient to help boost your immune system. While supplements can help, your body can absorb nutrients like vitamin C more effectively from the foods you eat.
This ILIOS Vegetarian Chili recipe is the perfect way to get your daily dose of Vitamin C and many other nutrients that will help you feel better. BONUS: Add some extra spice to help clear up that stuffy nose.
CLICK HERE for the recipe.
ILIOS Granola
When you're sick, granola may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of foods that will help you feel better quick. But granola, like other whole grains, is a natural source of immune-boosting vitamin E. It also contains polyphenol antioxidants as well as immune-strengthening beta-glucan fiber.
Top it off with some fresh berries for extra vitamins!