The best home remedies for the flu

The best home remedies for the flu

December 10, 2021

Many people prefer to turn to home remedies for flu, despite the wide variety of drug products sold for the same purpose. Ingredients such as garlic, honey, and lemon continue to be a good alternative for calming symptoms and speeding up healing. How to use them? What does science say about their properties?

Research in recent years has begun to evaluate the real effectiveness of some natural ingredients when it comes to calming symptoms such as nasal congestion, phlegm, and malaise. In case of a cold or flu, we, therefore, recommend that you try one of the following recipes.

5 home remedies for the flu

Often the flu matures with each passing day and improves without the need for specific treatment. However, the symptoms are bothersome and can interrupt daily activities. Therefore, it is always useful to know some home remedies capable of giving relief and well-being. Let's take a look at some traditional, but science-backed recipes.

1. Herbal tea with garlic, honey, and lemon

Garlic has always been one of the main ingredients in home remedies for the flu. According to a study published in Trends in Food Science and Technology, it has immunomodulatory properties that help improve the response against viruses. Indeed, its antiviral potential is recognized.

In this recipe, it is combined with honey and lemon, two equally positive ingredients for the immune system. Honey, in particular, is often used as an adjuvant against symptoms such as cough and irritation of the respiratory tract.

Ingredients

• 3 cloves of garlic.
• 1/2 lemon.
• 1 tablespoon of honey (15 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Method of preparation

1. To start, mash the garlic cloves and place them in a pot of water.
2. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes and add the lemon.
3. Strain the drink and sweeten it with honey.
4. Consume one cup a day for 3 weeks.

Garlic for the flu.

Garlic is a food with antiviral properties. That is why it is often used in flu pictures.

2. Ginger tea

In traditional medicine, fresh ginger is one of the most used ingredients to soothe cold and flu symptoms. According to an article published in the International Journal of Health Sciences (IJHS), its antiviral qualities are largely due to its content of phenolic compounds, such as gingerol. This, among other things, stimulates the body's defenses and reduces fever.

Ingredients

• Fresh ginger (15 g).
• 1 tablespoon of honey (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).
• Lemon (optional)

Method of preparation

1. First, chop the ginger.
2. Then add it to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the drink and add the honey and lemon.
4. Drink a cup 2 or 3 times a day for 2 weeks.

3. Elderberry herbal tea

A recent study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies points to elderberry as a viable option for treating viral respiratory infections. This is largely due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. Although more studies are needed, moderate use is considered safe.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of elderberry leaves (30 g).
• 1 teaspoon of lime (15 g).
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Preparation

1. Bring the water to a boil, then add the herbs.
2. Cover the drink and let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. After this time, filter through a colander and consume.
4. Drink one cup every night before going to bed for 2-3 weeks.

4. Aloe vera, lemon, and honey gel

Aloe vera gel is known for its anti-ulcer and cosmetic properties. What many people don't know is that it also acts as an antiviral.

A review published in the journal Molecules supports these effects and explains that they are due to its polysaccharides. In combination with lemon and honey, its effects are enhanced, as well as having a better flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera (30 g).
• 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of honey (15 g)

Preparation

1. Add the aloe vera gel to a bowl and mix it with lemon and honey.
2. If you want a more homogeneous mixture, blend it.
3. Consume the drink 2 times a day for 3-4 days.

Note: avoid excessive consumption, as it has a laxative effect.

5. Tisana all echinacea

Due to its concentration of flavonoids, echinacea is used as a supplement to promote well-being in the presence of various pathologies. Evidence suggests that it has positive effects in relieving upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, it is a good remedy for reducing flu symptoms.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml).
• 1 tablespoon dried echinacea leaves (10 g).

Preparation

1. Bring the cup of water to a boil, then add the echinacea and cover. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
2. Filter the drink and drink it.
3. Drink 2 cups a day for 1 week.

Consumption tips

In general, moderate and occasional consumption of these remedies is considered safe. However, it should be borne in mind that they are not exempt from causing side effects. Therefore, before resorting to a natural treatment it is advisable to inquire about it.

Nor should it be ignored that they may have contraindications and drug interactions. In this sense, if you have a pre-existing disease or if you are taking medications, it is best to ask your doctor.

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Creamy Avocado Soup: An Easy Recipe

Creamy Avocado Soup: An Easy Recipe

November 18, 2021

We show you how to make a dish full of high quality essential nutrients that you will love. It's creamy avocado soup, a good way to include unsaturated fats in your diet. Plus, it's a very simple preparation, it won't take long to get a fantastic result.

Fat intake is essential when the goal is to safeguard health. These nutrients have been demonized for many years, but today they are known to be important for optimal functioning of the body. Only trans-type lipids should be avoided, as they have inflammatory characteristics.

Benefits of avocado

Avocado can be found in the supermarket at any time of the year. To experience its positive effects it must be included in a balanced and varied diet.

Improve cardiovascular health

Avocado is a source of omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients are capable of reducing inflammation, which facilitates the functioning of the organs and systems of the body. It should be borne in mind that inflammatory mechanisms are often the basis of many chronic and complex life-threatening diseases.

According to research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences , it is essential to ensure a regular intake of omega 3 lipids to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. These nutrients prevent the development of atheromic plaques which could lead to circulatory disorders.

However, it is essential to ensure that your intake of omega 3 and omega 6 is balanced. This is achieved by increasing the presence of oily fruits and extra virgin olive oil in the diet. Even oily fish helps. This keeps inflammation under control, a necessary process, but not to be over-promoted.

Stimulates muscle recovery

Athletes need a higher intake of omega 3 fatty acids, especially when they suffer a muscle type injury. Effective control of inflammation on these occasions can improve the body's response. A study published in the journal Nutrients demonstrates that more efficient regeneration is achieved .

The ideal would be to achieve a daily intake of at least 4 grams of these nutrients. For this, it may also be necessary to resort to integration; or you can include avocado and oily fish in your regular diet.

However, simply taking fatty acids will not be enough. This strategy will have to be accompanied by an adequate consumption of proteins. These are the nutrients responsible for building muscle tissue. It is the only way to achieve optimal recovery by reducing the risk of relapse in subsequent events.

Prevents the development of chronic diseases

Avocado isn't just useful when it comes to preventing cardiovascular disease. Contains a significant dose of vitamin E , a nutrient with antioxidant potential. This element helps neutralize the formation of free radicals and their accumulation in the tissues.

In this way, inefficiencies in the functioning of organs and mutations due to cell replication are prevented. In the medium term, there is a lower incidence of various chronic and complex diseases, according to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences . Specifically, vitamin E protects against neurodegenerative disorders.

Ingredients for the creamy avocado soup

To make a tasty creamy avocado soup you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of butter.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion.
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped.
• 4 cups of chicken broth.
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and crushed.
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
• 2 cups of cream.
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
• Salt and pepper.
• Chopped fresh cilantro.

Keep in mind that you can buy ready-made chicken broth or make it at home. The latter option is the best, as you will get a tastier result and without any additives inside. However, you can always buy the product at the supermarket to save time.

As for avocados, it is essential that they are well ripe for the consistency to be adequate. They should be a bit soft to the touch. Always try to buy this organic product, as it has much higher organoleptic characteristics, even if it is a little more expensive.

Preparation

1. Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat to prevent burning.
2. Once the butter has melted, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes , until it starts to turn transparent.
3. Then add the garlic and, after 30 seconds, the chicken broth with lemon juice.
4. Mix well and add the well-crushed avocado pulp. The goal is to bring it to a boil. When this happens, lower the heat and continue cooking for at least 7 minutes.
5. After this time, put the contents of the pan in the blender and blend until you get a fine and homogeneous result.
6. Return everything to the saucepan and add the cream, cumin, salt and pepper.
7. Re-light the heat on medium power for another 5 minutes .
8. Before serving, sprinkle the soup with finely chopped coriander. It is very good when eaten hot.

How to accompany creamy avocado soup?

Keep in mind that creamy avocado soup works well as a first course, but it must be accompanied by some other preparation to get an optimal supply of nutrients.

In general, avocado soup is considered to be a very protein-deficient preparation. For this reason, the best thing would be to accompany it with a second course of meat or fish, in order to ensure compliance with nutritional needs.

Don't forget that creamy avocado soup can be stored well in the refrigerator. Of course, it is important that it remains covered so that its organoleptic characteristics are not altered. It can be stored without major problems for a couple of days. Before consuming it, heat it slightly in the microwave and that's it.

Make a creamy avocado soup

As you've seen, it's really easy to make creamy avocado soup to improve your dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients have a high quality and are necessary to ensure good control of inflammatory processes. Otherwise, complex and chronic pathologies could arise in the medium term.

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