Fix It With Food
Eat these foods to help stave off illness and give your immune system a boost
Sunscreen on the outside, pomegranate on the inside. The ruby red fruit is rich with a substance that helps protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Research suggests pomegranate is also good for heart health. Enjoy the seeds, or make a spritzer: Mix 3 ounces of pomegranate juice, 5 ounces of seltzer water, and a slice of lime.
Cold
There’s still no cure, but some foods can help shorten a cold’s running time. Go for vegetables that contain lots of vitamin C, like broccoli, cauliflower, and red bell peppers. They’ll strengthen your body’s defenses. Steam them lightly, or serve raw with a hummus dip.
High Sodium
If your doctor says your blood pressure is getting high and recommends cutting back on salt, ask about increasing your potassium intake. Eating foods loaded with this mineral has been shown to help control blood pressure by reducing the effects of sodium. Make a fruit salad with bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, raisins, and dates.
Allergies
Try popping a handful of red grapes. They contain an antioxidant that helps ease congestion and stuffy sinuses. Wash and pat dry a bunch of seedless grapes, put them in a plastic bag, and freeze for at least 3 hours. Eat them straight from the freezer.
