Ten Foods to Kick a Cold and Boost Your Immunity

Oysters

Oysters are widely thought to be one of nature's most potent aphrodisiacs. This fact probably has to do with their high zinc content, which is necessary for testosterone production, one of the most important hormones behind the human sex drive for both men and women.

Oysters may or may not give you a boost in bed, but there is no doubt that zinc is very good at protecting the body against colds and flu.

Zinc functions in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral, making it indispensable to the immune system, which is involved in reactions and signaling all the time. In particular, zinc enhances the function of helper T cells, which are important in identifying foreign antigens and alerting other cells of the immune system to invaders. Even a mild zinc deficiency can have adverse effects on the immune system, particularly in children and the elderly.

But too much zinc can be toxic and will inhibit immune function. The FDA recommends about 11 milligrams of zinc per day.

Lean meats such as beef, chicken and seafood are the best sources of zinc. Nonmeat eaters may have a harder time getting enough of the mineral because zinc in plant proteins is not as available for use in the body as zinc from animal proteins. Some options for getting zinc into a vegetarian diet include pumpkin seeds, beans and mineral-fortified cereals.