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If, despite your and your

mother’s best efforts, you’re still

struggling with a blocked nose,

sinus headaches and a niggling

cough, then perhaps you need to

consider whether you’re lacking

these four super nutrients,

guaranteed to fight cold and flu.

1. Vitamin D

A recent global collaborative study revealed that Vitamin D protects the body from colds and ‘flu. The study, which consisted of 35 randomised controlled trials and more than 11 000 participants, found that a Vitamin D supplement, prescribed for a host of other conditions, can actually prevent acute respiratory infections.

The research showed that daily or weekly supplementation had the greatest benefit for individuals with the most significant Vitamin D deficiency (blood levels below 10 mg/dl) — cutting their risk of respiratory infection in half — and that all participants experienced some improvement from regular vitamin D supplementation.

Releaf Probiotic Active 12-strain and Releaf Calcium Complex both contain Vitamin D3.

2. Quercetin

Several studies show that this antioxidant has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, helping to manage allergies, asthma, hay fever and other respiratory conditions. Quercetin is also indicated to assist in heart disease, stomach ulcers, bladder infections, skin disorders, high cholesterol and cognitive impairment.

Foods that are high in this beneficial anti-inflammatory include:

Apples

Peppers

Red wine

Dark cherries and berries (blueberries, bilberries, blackberries, cranberries etc.)

Tomatoes

Cruciferous veggies, including broccoli, cabbage and sprouts

Leafy green veggies, including spinach and kale

Citrus fruits

Cocoa

Whole grains, including buckwheat

Raw asparagus

Capers

Raw red onion

Olive oil

Black and green tea

Beans/legumes

3. Lycopene

Lycopene is a naturally occurring chemical that gives fruits and vegetables a red colour. Found in tomatoes, watermelons, apricots, pink grapefruits and guavas, Lycopene has strong antioxidant properties, helping to stimulate the immune system, support cardiac health and even fight cancer.

You can find both Quercetin and Lycopersicon esculentum in Releaf Cough and Cold Effervescent tablets, formulated to relieve common cold and hay fever symptoms like a runny nose, cough, pain and inflammation.

4. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that’s vital to the body in many ways; helping to strengthen the immune system, heal wounds and support normal growth. Studies have shown that zinc can reduce the duration of the common cold by as much as 50 %, as well as fight a number of upper respiratory tract infections. This powerful mineral has also been indicated to help treat ulcers, ADHD, acne, sickle cell anaemia, and other conditions.

If your diet is high in Zinc-rich foods like oysters, beef, chicken, tofu, pork, hemp seeds, nuts, lentils, yoghurt, oatmeal and mushrooms, then it’s not necessary to take a Zinc supplement, (provided you get the recommended daily amount of 15mg).

But if you’re needing extra Zinc and digestive support, take Releaf Probiotic Active 12-Strain, which  contains added Zinc, amongst many other vital vitamins.

As always, nature has the best medicine, so if you’re feeling weak and flu’ish this winter, turn to organic alternatives to help boost your immune system and check out Releaf Pharmaceuticals’ range of locally-made supplements that help you feel and live better.

Content from:

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplement-guide-zinc#1

https://www.health24.com/Diet-and-nutrition/Vitamins-minerals-and-supplements/Your-complete-guide-to-lycopene-20120721

https://draxe.com/quercetin/