Wellington – A study from the University of Auckland, Wellington, showed on Friday that eating flavonoids, found in green tea, apple, blueberries, cocoa, red wine and onions can significantly reduce the risk of catching colds and coughs.
Andrea Braakhuis, A Senior Nutrition Researcher, said the latest findings showed that adults could be 33 per cent more protected against the common cold, or upper respiratory tract infections, if they eat flavonoids or take flavonoid supplements, compared with those who don’t.
“These findings show that if you’re generally healthy, eating flavonoids found in lots of fruits and vegetables can help stave off the bugs over cold.
Braakhuis said most adults had cold two or three times in a year and children could have up to five, with symptoms including a sore throat, cough, runny nose and headache.
She said study has revealed that antibiotics don’t help, so it’s worth giving flavonoids a go as part of a healthy diet.
Braakhuis said nutrition scientists were learning more about the special components in foods, like flavonoids, which were thought to have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
They help to reduce the incidence of coughs and colds and boost immune function.
She suggested that people should cultivate the habit of eating five serves of vegetables and two of fruit each day, in a variety of colors.
Braakhuis said this would one on the path to getting enough flavonoids.
She also advised on taking half full plate of vegetables for dinner, sip green tea over cold and enjoy the occasional red wine. (Xinhua/NAN)