7 Antiviral Foods To Improve Immunity This Cold And Flu Season
Clean Eating|November - December 2018

Take a stand against influenza and other nasty pathogens by adding these 7 antiviral foods to your plate this cold and flu season to improve immune response and fight sickness.

Lisa Turner
7 Antiviral Foods  To Improve Immunity This Cold And Flu Season

Black tea is rich in a group of pathogen-fighting compounds that can protect against a variety of viral infections. Tea leaves contain naturally occurring compounds, including polyphenols, catechins and alkaloids like caffeine, theobromine and theophylline that defend the plants against invading pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. Older studies show black tea can almost completely inhibit the infectivity of influenza virus. And in one study, black tea extract, rich in flavanol compounds called theaflavins, inhibited herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) infection. Try this: Purée strong-brewed black tea with grated ginger, frozen mango and Greek yogurt for a flu-busting breakfast; steep black tea bags in hot water then use as a broth to cook brown rice, garlic and onions.

Shiitake mushrooms are loaded with beta-glucans, antiviral compounds that have been shown to inhibit viral replication and enhance immune function. In one study, people who ate shiitake mushrooms for four weeks showed improved markers of immunity, as well as reduced inflammation. Other studies show shiitake mushrooms also have significant antibacterial and antifungal properties, and they protected against 85% of the yeasts, molds and other organisms they were tested on. Try this: Thinly slice shiitake mushroom caps, toss with melted coconut oil and minced garlic and roast until crisp; stir-fry shiitakes, slivered carrots, broccoli, sliced red peppers and minced ginger in sesame oil and tamari then toss with cooked soba or rice noodles.

This story is from the November - December 2018 edition of Clean Eating.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November - December 2018 edition of Clean Eating.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CLEAN EATINGView All
Summer Lovin'
Clean Eating

Summer Lovin'

Bushels of berries, peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums and more beckon at the market. Buy them all and soak up the sun in these bejeweled desserts.

time-read
6 mins  |
Summer 2022 / July - September 2022
Into the Wild
Clean Eating

Into the Wild

Cooking along the 500-mile Colorado Trail taught Clean Eating editor Amanda M. Faison how to transform the campfire into a kitchen.

time-read
9 mins  |
Summer 2022 / July - September 2022
[ Three Ways ] Tropical Punch
Clean Eating

[ Three Ways ] Tropical Punch

Of African origin, hibiscus or Jamaican sorrel, is an important staple in West Indian and Mexican cooking. Hibiscus is sour enough to make you pucker and tropical enough to evoke the islands. Popularly brewed as a tea, the dried petals play well in savory or sweet recipes, too.

time-read
4 mins  |
Summer 2022 / July - September 2022
You Had Meat Tacos
Clean Eating

You Had Meat Tacos

"When it's done properly, taco should be a verb," declared Jonathan Gold, the late restaurant critic of the Los Angeles Times. Tacos are much more than a meal; they're an action.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Summer 2022 / July - September 2022
The Multitasker
Clean Eating

The Multitasker

Collagen usually makes headlines for its skin-saving benefits. But did you know that it's also an essential nutrient for joint health? (Especially if you sit at a desk all day.)

time-read
3 mins  |
Summer 2022 / July - September 2022
The Minimalist
Clean Eating

The Minimalist

Summer cooking is all about fresh and fast and avoiding the stove.

time-read
2 mins  |
Summer 2022 / July - September 2022
Lighten Up
Clean Eating

Lighten Up

If you've had an air fryer in your online cart since the start of the pandemic, it's time to commit. Let's just say it'll change your life.

time-read
5 mins  |
Summer 2022 / July - September 2022
JUST RIGHT
Clean Eating

JUST RIGHT

The classic low-country boil is a celebration of place, tradition and ratio.

time-read
3 mins  |
Summer 2022 / July - September 2022
Recovery Days
Clean Eating

Recovery Days

The mantra that food is fuel is gold, but food as refuel is equally valuable.

time-read
10 mins  |
Summer 2022 / July - September 2022
Lower your impact without sacrificing satisfaction.
Clean Eating

Lower your impact without sacrificing satisfaction.

Eat like a Reducetarian.

time-read
7 mins  |
Summer 2022 / July - September 2022