169
Lemons, hot tea, honey and raspberry jam are a typical food set recommended for the treatment of colds. But do they actually help, that's the question.
Tea. This drink is useful, there is no doubt. But do not forget that tea is saturated with caffeine and has diuretic properties. Active loss of fluid by the body leads to thickening of the blood, which not only does not cure a cold, but, on the contrary, worsens the condition. Processes aimed at fighting infection slow down and inhibit the immune response. Those who drink tea must drink water. Or use herbal preparations with sage, thyme or chamomile for drinking.
Lemon. Useful in many ways, lemons may not give the expected therapeutic effect. According to doctors, citric acid irritates the mucous membrane, which is already inflamed due to the disease. As a result, its healing is inhibited.
Garlic. It is not clear what the belief in the medicinal properties of garlic for colds and flu is based on, but it is attributed almost magical properties. In fact, there is no clear scientific evidence of the effectiveness of garlic in colds, as well as in the prevention of infections and viruses. In turn, too active eating of garlic causes symptoms of flatulence, and can also aggravate the manifestations of chronic pancreatitis.
Orange. A medium orange contains the daily amount of vitamin C. But how does this fit in with treating a cold? An analysis of studies with the participation of 11 people showed that ascorbic acid can slightly soften the course of the disease, but it still does not work as a medicine. In addition, scientists note that citrus fruits negatively affect the body's absorption of anti-inflammatory drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
Honey and raspberry jam. No one disputes that there are useful substances in these products. The problem is that to treat colds, people start eating them in much larger quantities than necessary. But the sugar contained in honey and jam contributes to the glycation of immune proteins, which prevents antibodies from destroying pathogens. Sweet also contributes to the thickening of mucus in the body, which provokes the development of sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
