Expert shares surprising food you need to combat superflu - and it's very British
Britt Jones
Featured Image Credit: SimpleImages/Getty Images
If you’ve fallen victim to this awful superflu that’s doing the rounds in the UK, then you might want to know this expert’s advice to avoid another bout.
The flu is just part of normal life for many, where you catch it and recover from it before praying that you avoid its clutches the following winter.
Some who are at risk of developing complications like pleurisy or pneumonia will get the flu vaccination to double up their protection.
But did you know that a Great British dish could also help you from getting too sick with the bug?
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With hospitals currently treating a large volume of people, keeping yourself healthy could do you and the NHS well.
Dr Emily Leeming, a microbiome scientist and dietitian has since revealed the controversial British meal that could have you feeling better in no time.
“What we eat can give your body its best fighting chance to tackle any potential illness that might come,” Dr Leeming told The Telegraph, adding: “It’s not necessarily going to save you from ever getting sick but it might just help stock up your defences and hopefully help you recover a little quicker.”
So, what’s the food? Hold on to your hats.
It’s Marmite and toast.
Love it or hate it, Marmite is actually full of good things.
Made from vegetable yeast, this spread is the best thing you can eat to speed up your recovery time.
According to a scientific review, taking supplements containing beta-glucans left people 60 per cent less likely to catch a cold and also get better faster.
Why is this relevant to Marmite? Marmite contains beta-glucans.
Dr Leeming explained: “Marmite is also packed with B vitamins, which is going to help support your immune system.”
It’s also a good thing to eat because it’s only a small bite, so if you’re not feeling up to making a meal, it can be a beneficial snack.
“Quite often, people will say they don’t have an appetite, but your body is working harder than it normally would to try to fight off whatever kind of problem there is,” Dr Leeming revealed.
But that’s not the only thing you can do to help yourself get better.
Things like boosting your immune system with green tea, upping your vitamin C intake with broccoli soup, or using honey to calm your irritated throat are all good things to do too.
And eating flavonoid-containing blueberries which reduce inflammation.
As for what else you can do, the NHS recommends getting outside can prevent you from getting sick as it’s harder to catch a bug with the wind knocking it about.
Resting is also a great way to let your body heal, and staying hydrated is also key to getting over any illness.