The flu and the finals are both coming, and you want to stay strong against them. Consume these five foods as much as you can.

1. Whole grains

Whole grains are packed with zinc, calcium, iron and fiber, which are all integral to a healthy body. Although many think whole-grain foods taste bad, they actually don’t taste much different from their less healthy counterparts. Eating whole-grain pasta, whole-grain rice or whole-grain bread is a deliciously easy way to boost your immune functions and ward off the nasty flu.

2. Bananas

Bananas are a rich source of vitamin B6, which boosts your body’s ability to fight infections. They are easy on the stomach, and their antiemetic properties are particularly helpful if you have been hit by the stomach flu. They are high in bone-strengthening magnesium as well as potassium, which can help to prevent heart disease and reduce high blood pressure.

3. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A once it enters the body. Along with fighting respiratory infections, beta-carotene helps produce white blood cells to fight off infections. Sweet potatoes can be eaten in soups or salads or as a side dish accompanying roast chicken or beef.

4. Almonds

Almonds are known for boosting brain function, but they are equally effective in supplying your body with the disease-destroying antioxidant vitamin E. Almonds are great for a snack at any time of the day. They taste great in salads, pastas and main dishes, and they’re equally delicious on their own (check out the Eating Berkeley guides on how to make almond milk and other quick almond snacks during your study breaks).

5. Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain selenium, which promotes cytokine production by white blood cells in the body, which can help to clear up any flu-related symptoms. Mushrooms also contain beta-glucan, an antimicrobial sugar that wards off infections. They are easy to incorporate into any meal in soups, salads or pastas. They can even be used as a pizza topping!

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Contact Spandana Singh at [email protected].