Flu-Fighting Foods

To keep that winter cold or the flu at bay, here are a few foods to include in your diet....

(The list isn't really surprising; all are things we know we should eat.)

• Carrots (or bell peppers, kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes and squash) are high in beta-carotene.  It protects your nose lining...which can trap the germs before they get to you.
• Green tea: No reasons given, but a study showed that people who drank two cups of green tea daily had 32% fewer colds than those who skipped the tea.
• Nonfat Greek yogurt: The high levels of protein helps increase the number of immune cells in your body.  The live cultures also kick up your immune levels.
• Salmon: Yeah, this cold-water fish has plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, but a serving also contains up to 1,000 IU of vitamin D.  Studies show that upping your D intake can stave off colds.
• Garlic: It not just for warding off vampires; a compound in the root fights against bacterial, viral and fungal infections.