Garlic and Onions, Weapons Against Flu

Flu season is here and if we want to stay healthy the natural way, here are some good news. Nature's medicine cabinet provides a delicious and potent cornucopia of immune-boosting, flu-fighting foods.

And unlike the flu vaccine, which can cause a wide range of side effects (from narcolepsy and permanent neurological damage to the flu itself), the potent flu fighters found in nature don't require a jab and are side-effect free!

Here are two super-foods that will help us sail through flu season sniffle-free.

Potent members of the Allium family, garlic and onions have long been regarded as healing foods and recent research shows they can help fight the flu.

Garlic helps "stink out" the sickness with the help of allicin - a natural antimicrobial and antiviral compound. One study published in Advances in Therapy found that people taking a high potency allicin supplement daily had 64% fewer colds and recovered 70% faster than people not taking allicin.

Onions are also potent flu-fighters. In a recent study, a phytonutrient in onions called quercetin was found to negate the dip in immunity that comes with physical fatigue. And that "dip" is the window of opportunity for viruses and bacteria to take root and hold you hostage until they have run their course.

When it comes to garlic and onions, fresh is best. Add alliums to soups and stews at the end of cooking, or mix in to salads, dressings and sauces.