6 foods to cope with the monsoon cold

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Extract from the article: The coolness of the monsoon is starting to set in over the last few days in Togo. This cool weather can cause coughs, colds and sore throats. It is often synonymous with the aggravation of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including chronic br

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The coolness of the monsoon is starting to set in over the last few days in Togo. This cool weather can cause coughs, colds and sore throats. It is often synonymous with the aggravation of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including chronic bronchitis, asthma and sickle-cell anaemia. So it's important to boost the immune system with a healthy, varied and balanced diet. Here are 6 nutrient-rich foods to help you stay in top form throughout this period.

One of the main reasons people fall ill during the monsoon season is due to the sudden fluctuations in the weather. This makes it ideal for infections. The key to good health is a healthy diet. Here are some foods to help you stay healthy and cope with the cold monsoon season.

Citrus fruits

Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, mandarins and clementines are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. To reap the full benefits of citrus fruits, we recommend eating them whole, making sure to eat the pulp, which contains many essential nutrients. In addition to their high vitamin C content, citrus fruits are rich in fibre. This promotes good digestion and contributes to satiety. They also contain antioxidants that help protect the body against the free radicals responsible for cell ageing.

Ginger

One of the major benefits of ginger is its ability to stimulate blood circulation.By increasing blood flow, it helps to warm the body and prevent chills caused by the cold.In addition, ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.These properties help to strengthen the body's natural defences and prevent colds and infections. Grate ginger and add it to chicken, fish or vegetable dishes to give them a spicy, warming flavour.Ginger can also be infused in hot water with lemon juice for a soothing, invigorating drink.

Honey

Soothing and antiseptic, honey is ideal for relieving sore throats. As well as its healing properties, it is a source of potassium, magnesium, iron and vitamins A, B, C and E. Replace sugar with honey to enjoy its nutritional benefits.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful antibiotic.Its active compounds, particularly allicin, are responsible for its antibacterial properties.Regular consumption of garlic boosts the immune system and protects against common infections such as colds, respiratory infections and intestinal infections.

Vegetable soup

Opt for seasonal vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, cabbage and onions.Add chicken for extra protein. Vegetable soup is not only comforting, it also offers numerous health benefits. What's more, cooking vegetables in soup preserves more of their nutrients than other cooking methods.

Dried fruit

Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds and peanuts are rich in essential fatty acids, magnesium and iron. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are essential for the body to function properly. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions, including energy production, nervous system regulation and bone health.Iron is an important mineral for the formation of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout the body.

Raymond DZAKPATA