This cold and flu season continues to ramp up. Are you looking for ways to give your body the edge and combat cold and flus? You may be surprised to learn that the common ingredients in Mexican cuisine is packed full of vitamins, and minerals that build strong immune systems. Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant would like to break down some of the common ingredients in Mexican cuisine and share how it can help you build up your immune system to combat flus and cold this winter season.
What is Good for You when You’re Sick?
Tequila – For the adults among us, you can help fight against colds and flus with a shot of tequila! During the cold and flu season, drinking one small shot of tequila can help your body fight against viral invaders. Not only can tequila help prevent colds and the flu, but it can also help those who have gotten sick. Tequila is known to soothe coughs, treat sore throats, and help kill bacterial infections. In fact, in the 1900’s during the Spanish Flu epidemic, doctors prescribed tequila. Even though tequila is not an ingredient used in Mexican food, it deserves an honorable mention!
Bell Peppers – One ingredient that is frequently used in Mexican cuisine is the bell pepper. Red, yellow, and green bell peppers have bold colors and flavors that enhance a number of Mexican dishes such as Fajitas. Not only do bell peppers taste good but they are packed full of vitamins. Bell peppers contain a high amount of vitamin C and beta carotene which builds strong immune systems. Bell peppers have twice the amount of vitamin C than an orange. To help fight against colds and the flu this season, begin eating your favorite Mexican dishes that have a lot of bell peppers!
Garlic – Garlic is used in many different Mexican dishes. Garlic is another ingredient found in Mexican food that greatly helps the body fight off free radicals. Garlic has a lot of different vitamins and allicin which is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are essential in fighting those free radicals that often lead to sickness. In fact, it is common for people in Mexico to make a strong garlic tea when they get sick. Garlic is great for preventing and fighting flu and cold viruses.
Chili Peppers – Red and green chili peppers are used in salsa, taco sauce and in many Mexican dishes. The chili pepper is another amazing immune builder. Chili peppers can help improve the immune system, fight fungal infections, and viruses. That is because, chili peppers have a lot of capsaicin which is well known to fight off 16 different types of fungal infections and viruses.
Tomatoes – Tomatoes are seen in a lot of Mexican foods and for good reason. Tomatoes add great flavor and color. In addition, they are also super healthy to eat. Tomatoes, whether eaten raw or cooked, contains a lot of vitamins, antioxidants, folate, lycopene and micro-nutrients. The nutrients found in tomatoes help the body build a strong immune system. Tomatoes even have been linked in preventing and combating cancer. More people should eat tomatoes as they are one of the world’s super foods.
Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV, Paradise, Lone Mountain & Henderson, NV)
If you want to dodge this year’s cold and flu season and enjoy doing it, come on down to Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant and order your favorite Mexican dish today.
