Published Date:
03 November 2008
By Diane Crabtree
AS colder weather begins to strike – bringing colds and flu – it's time to spice up your life to ward off those germs.
While most of us resort to over-the-counter supplements, several key ingredients that can naturally boost our defences are largely ignored.
Chillies and their many powers, from boosting the immune system to kick-starting libido, are worth considering. Others in the same gang – peppers, ginger and garlic – are wonderfoods, recognised by a host of experts such as nutritionist Natalie Savona.
"Those ingredients don't just make you feel warmer, they can also boost your health. Many have anti-bacterial qualities, positive effects on the immune system, or can help minimise the symptoms of colds or flu," she says.
Savona, author of Wonderfoods (Quadrille, £12.99), says it's easy to incorporate these ingredients into winter meals.
"Turning up the heat in your diet can have positive effects, not only by improving the taste and flavour of your food but helping strengthen your body to repel winter ills and chills."
Chillies
Chillies come in all shapes and sizes. There are 400 types. The hot substance is capsaicin. It's said to aid the digestive process, and also have antibacterial effects.
They also contain vitamin C and beta-carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A) and all these help to keep the immune system strong.
Chillies are thought to trigger the release of 'feel good' endorphins.
Hot chillies, like peri peri, are rumoured to help the body burn off fat quicker by speeding up the metabolic rate.
Chillies have long been used as part of traditional remedies to help alleviate colds and may relieve nasal congestion by thinning mucus in the sinuses.
In Russia, a drink called nastoyka (made from chillies soaked in vodka) is used to relieve colds, while in India, peri peri is used externally for the treatment of tonsilitis, diphtheria and snakebites.
Garlic
Garlic has been valued for thousands of years as a potent medicine. Many of its benefits derive from sulphur compounds, such as allicin, that are powerful detoxifiers for the liver and lymph system, as well as anti-inflammatories.
Garlic's aphrodisiac effect is twofold. Firstly, it improves blood circulation and secondly scientists have found that it can stimulate the production of an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase, which is responsible for the arousal mechanism.
It is a powerful antibiotic, helping clear bacterial infections in the digestive tract. This property, plus its immune-boosting role and decongestant effect, enables it to ward off viral and other infections throughout the body, including coughs and colds.
USE: Best eaten raw in salads or mixed into dishes after they're cooked.
Peppers
Peppers also contain capsaicin, so they have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory powers.
Their vibrant colour comes from the phytochemicals beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin – these powerful antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging the body's cells.
They're also an aphrodisiac because they stimulate the circulation.
Half a red pepper provides about 40 per cent of the recommended vitamin B6.
Their anti-inflammatory and stimulant powers make them good for clearing sinuses, and they also boost the circulation and digestion.
They are loaded with immune-boosting vitamin A and almost three times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
Sweet peppers can irritate the gut if there's a sensitivity problem and can exacerbate arthritis.
USE: In salads, stuffed with a filling, or in casseroles and stir-fries.
Ginger
Ginger's primary use is to calm the gu. It can help quell nausea, aid ulcer healing and help digestion.
It's been used for centuries as a medicinal cleanser. Western herbalists recommend ginger for respiratory tract infections. It acts as a stimulant that warms the body and boosts circulation.
USE: Add it to drinks, savoury dishes and desserts.
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Last Updated:
03 November 2008 3:08 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Halifax
