Health roundup

By Torcia Velthuizen

Best foods to eat during cold and flu season

There are a few ways you can avoid the sniffles, keep your body healthy and keep the germs at bay. Here is a list of the best foods to eat during the cold and flu season.

1. Dark leafy greens like kale reduce congestion and are full of vitamins A and K.
2. Citrus fruit. Citrus is full of vitamin C that helps keep your immune system strong. You can eat the fruit on its own or put it in a cup of hot water or tea.
3. Dark chocolate. Cocoa contains polyphenols and zinc that, like citrus, helps maintain a healthy immune system. No need to feel guilty when indulging in this treat, just have a small amount and stick to chocolate with 70 per cent cocoa or higher.
4. Hot toddies. The alcohol in this drink will help expand the blood vessels for a better flow of immune cells, the vitamin C in the lemon juice helps these immune cells and the honey soothes the throat. Alcohol can suppress your immune system in high doses, so stick to one shot or less.
5. Fennel helps release chest congestion, so if you have a bit of a cough try steeping it in hot water or adding it to a variety of dishes
6. Garlic goes in everything. It is delicious and it contains allicin that helps release antioxidants. No better time of year to go heavy on the garlic, regardless of your family’s pleas.

Sesame recall

Health Canada has reported a recall of sesame seeds sold in Ontario by the brand ARZ Fine Foods and a no name brand that is sold in bulk. The company alerted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency due to a possible salmonella contamination. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where it was purchased.

Deadly influenza

The flu has been especially prevalent this season, resulting in the first confirmed death in Windsor earlier this month. According to Health Canada, there have been 82 deaths nationally and over 300 pediatric hospitalizations. Southern Ontario is considered to have widespread instances of the flu.