It's called fire cider, and it's super-spicy, extra-potent concoction made from apple cider vinegar. It might make your eyes water, but it could also wake you up, ward off colds and more.
Fire Cider: The Cold-Fighting Remedy You Haven’t Heard of (Yet!)
Updated on May 10, 2019
Some of the best ways to soothe a cold isn’t for sale at your local pharmacy—they’re folk remedies handed down from grandparents (and grandparents’ grandparents). Think of a hot toddy when you’re feeling under the weather or a hot bath mixed with Epsom salts.
The newest wellness booster? Fire cider, a spicy drink with an impressive list of potential benefits, including knocking out a cold—or even preventing one.
Feeling under the weather? Add these whole foods to your diet, stat.
What is Fire Cider?
A potent drink made from raw apple cider vinegar fermented with roots, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. It’s a homeopathic folk remedy that’s recently gaining mainstream popularity.
What’s in Fire Cider?
Fire cider starts with raw apple cider vinegar, a popular health drink in its own right, which is made from fermented apples and packed with “good” bacteria. It’s combined with chopped onions, grated horseradish, garlic, and ginger. Some cooks add lemons, oranges, hot peppers, or turmeric to the mix.
To make it at home: Fire cider is very customizable. Combine ingredients to your liking in a clean, sterilized canning jar and shake well. Make sure the vinegar reaches the top of the jar and the veggies are completely covered. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for about four weeks, shaking occasionally. As the mixture ferments, the vinegar takes on a deep, spicy, punchy flavor, and a slight effervescence from the fermentation. Get our best tips for fermentation here.
Fire cider is also available to purchase. Skip the steps and buy a bottle here ($15).
While some may prefer to drink fire cider straight, we think it best to dilute in hot water before consuming. You may also want to add honey to make it more palatable.
The Benefits of Fire Cider
- Just about every ingredient in fire cider is believed to boost immunity during cold and flu season, and to soothe symptoms like cough, congestion or sore throat
- Most ingredients have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can soothe inflammation or pain
- Fire cider can boost energy or invigorate—many advocates drink it for this reason alone
- Ginger and ACV are believed to calm indigestion and promote gut health
- Garlic may have a positive impact on blood pressure and cholesterol
- Horseradish has been used to treat sinus infections and urinary tract infections
- Honey can ease coughing and improve cholesterol
The Risks of Fire Cider
Taken alone, apple cider vinegar is very acidic, which can damage tooth enamel, especially if you’re drinking a shot daily. To mitigate the risk, swish with plain water after drinking fire cider, or dilute it in water.
The super acidic drink may cause more serious damage to the esophagus or lungs. Again, diluting in water is a safer way to drink fire cider.
Looking for a less firey health drink? We’ve got 10 super-drinks for your consideration.
FAQ
How Much Fire Cider Should I Drink?
Most fire cider fans drink 1/2- to 1-tablespoon of fire cider daily—in other words, you don’t have to take much to get the benefits. You can drink it plain, use it in cooking (it’s good in salad dressings, for example), or mix with water, seltzer, juice, or tea.
Does Fire Cider Have to be Refrigerated?
Fire cider contains vinegar and honey, two ingredients often used to preserve other foods. It’s safe to keep in the pantry for several months (in a tightly sealed jar), but it will last even longer if stored in the fridge.
Is Fire Cider Safe During Pregnancy?
Many fire cider recipes use raw apple cider vinegar, which is unpasteurized and may contain harmful pathogens like E. coli. Drinking pasteurized apple cider vinegar should be fine during pregnancy, but it’s always safest to consult your doctor.
What to Do with Fire Cider Pulp
Before drinking fire cider, most folks strain out the “pulp:” the vegetables that were chopped or pureed into the vinegar, which soften considerably during fermentation, usually disintegrating a bit. The pulp still has plenty of flavor and potential benefits in its own right, so don’t ditch it! Try mixing pulp into mustard and spreading on a sandwich, mix with mayo and use for dipping fries or veggies, mix with jam for a sweet-spicy glaze for meat, or toss some pulp into a stir-fry for a spicy kick.
We've got more cold-blasting foods right here.
Tortellini SoupThis quick, easy rustic Italian tortellini soup recipe is flavorful and comforting. Italian sausage, spinach and tender cheese tortellini simmer in a rich tomato broth, creating a soup that cooks for only 20 minutes.
Roasted Garlic Butternut Soup
This lower-fat soup is creamy, really intense in flavor and offers 545 mg of potassium. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode, Island This hearty puree of garlicky sweet potatoes and butternut squash is a soothing anti-inflammatory blend of vitamins A and C as well as hydrating water and broth. It's easy to whip up this soup by roasting the veggies ahead of time and blending together later.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup soup with 1 tablespoon blue cheese: 144 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
1 cup soup with 1 tablespoon blue cheese: 144 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
This lower-fat soup is creamy, really intense in flavor and offers 545 mg of potassium. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode, Island This hearty puree of garlicky sweet potatoes and butternut squash is a soothing anti-inflammatory blend of vitamins A and C as well as hydrating water and broth. It's easy to whip up this soup by roasting the veggies ahead of time and blending together later.
Slow & Easy Minestrone
Hot soup on a cold day is something I just can't get enough of. It's a snap to put together, and I don't have to wash pots and pans after a relaxing meal. —Sally Goeb, New Egypt, New Jersey Full of hydrating vegetables loaded with plant compounds and vitamins, this sick day soup couldn't be easier. All you need to do is set it and forget it in the slow cooker. Cook it while you nap and wake up to nourishing food to eat when you have a cold.
Nutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups: 154 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1002mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
1-1/2 cups: 154 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1002mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
Hot soup on a cold day is something I just can't get enough of. It's a snap to put together, and I don't have to wash pots and pans after a relaxing meal. —Sally Goeb, New Egypt, New Jersey Full of hydrating vegetables loaded with plant compounds and vitamins, this sick day soup couldn't be easier. All you need to do is set it and forget it in the slow cooker. Cook it while you nap and wake up to nourishing food to eat when you have a cold.
Citrus Melon Mingle
This refreshing fruit salad has a hint of mint, honey and ginger that adds subtle flavor to the sweet combination of melons, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple and bananas. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina Bright and fresh, this fruit salad is the perfect food to eat when you have a cold. Packed with immune supporting vitamin C from the oranges, melon and grapefruit, as well as hints of fresh ginger to ease digestion, this salad is a simple healing dish to power your total body wellness.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 125 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
3/4 cup: 125 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
This refreshing fruit salad has a hint of mint, honey and ginger that adds subtle flavor to the sweet combination of melons, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple and bananas. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina Bright and fresh, this fruit salad is the perfect food to eat when you have a cold. Packed with immune supporting vitamin C from the oranges, melon and grapefruit, as well as hints of fresh ginger to ease digestion, this salad is a simple healing dish to power your total body wellness.
Carrot Soup with Orange & Tarragon
A pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas Creamy and nourishing, this soup is super simple and packed with vital antioxidants. Plus, the recipe calls for a hint of tarragon, an herb that contains manganese. This mineral can help decrease damaging stress to your cells.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 117 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
1 cup: 117 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
A pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas Creamy and nourishing, this soup is super simple and packed with vital antioxidants. Plus, the recipe calls for a hint of tarragon, an herb that contains manganese. This mineral can help decrease damaging stress to your cells.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 82 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/4 cup: 82 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Baby carrots go over big when seasoned with the subtle taste of rosemary. I like to sprinkle raisins on top for a combination of sweet and savory. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho Tossed with olive oil, rosemary, cumin and black pepper, these carotenoid-rich carrots are loaded with intense flavor. The best part is you don't have to tend to them as they roast in the oven. Simply set a timer and rest.
Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts
While traveling to Taiwan, I had the pleasure of trying a unique vegetable dish that included fresh pumpkin. It inspired me to roast pumpkin with Brussels sprouts. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania Try this savory and colorful immune-supporting combo of pumpkin and Brussels sprouts. The garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar amp up the feel-good flavors in this dish, but you can add extra sweetness with dried cranberries. Bonus, dried cranberries are also an excellent source of antioxidants too.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 152 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
3/4 cup: 152 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
While traveling to Taiwan, I had the pleasure of trying a unique vegetable dish that included fresh pumpkin. It inspired me to roast pumpkin with Brussels sprouts. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania Try this savory and colorful immune-supporting combo of pumpkin and Brussels sprouts. The garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar amp up the feel-good flavors in this dish, but you can add extra sweetness with dried cranberries. Bonus, dried cranberries are also an excellent source of antioxidants too.
Cumin-Roasted Carrots
Carrots make a super side—they are big on flavor and a breeze to cook. Plus, I can actually get my husband to eat these spiced veggies. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida There's nothing like warm spices to make you feel better when you have a cold. Try these cumin, coriander and garlic dressed carrots to excite your senses and soothe your breathing passages. Toast the aromatic spices in a skillet to enhance the overall flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 86 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
1 serving: 86 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Carrots make a super side—they are big on flavor and a breeze to cook. Plus, I can actually get my husband to eat these spiced veggies. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida There's nothing like warm spices to make you feel better when you have a cold. Try these cumin, coriander and garlic dressed carrots to excite your senses and soothe your breathing passages. Toast the aromatic spices in a skillet to enhance the overall flavor experience.
Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California There are many health benefits of Brussels sprouts, and adding them to your menu during a sick week can help your body get up to speed more quickly. The carmelized flavor that results from roasting along with the Dijon mustard for dipping will put a pep in your step and immune system.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California There are many health benefits of Brussels sprouts, and adding them to your menu during a sick week can help your body get up to speed more quickly. The carmelized flavor that results from roasting along with the Dijon mustard for dipping will put a pep in your step and immune system.
Warm Tasty Greens with Garlic
My farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado Kale is packed with vitamins A and C, which are two powerful nutrients in decreasing the severity of the common cold. If you'd rather not boil the kale in this recipe, you can saute it with plenty of olive oil. Sauteeing can also help keep some of the crisp structure of this leafy green vegetable.
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup: 137 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
2/3 cup: 137 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
My farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado Kale is packed with vitamins A and C, which are two powerful nutrients in decreasing the severity of the common cold. If you'd rather not boil the kale in this recipe, you can saute it with plenty of olive oil. Sauteeing can also help keep some of the crisp structure of this leafy green vegetable.
Fennel Carrot Soup
This soup is perfect as a first course for a special-occasion dinner. It gets its delicious flavor from toasted fennel seeds—a pleasant complement to the carrots, apple and sweet potato. —Marlene Bursey, Waverly, Nova Scotia This blend of plant foods from sweet potatoes, apples, carrots and fennel is a powerhouse in a bowl. Plus, it's seasoned with curry powder, an anti-inflammatory spice blend that can soothe you when you're fighting a cold.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 117 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
1 cup: 117 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
This soup is perfect as a first course for a special-occasion dinner. It gets its delicious flavor from toasted fennel seeds—a pleasant complement to the carrots, apple and sweet potato. —Marlene Bursey, Waverly, Nova Scotia This blend of plant foods from sweet potatoes, apples, carrots and fennel is a powerhouse in a bowl. Plus, it's seasoned with curry powder, an anti-inflammatory spice blend that can soothe you when you're fighting a cold.
Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash
I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois Garlic, pumpkin and cauliflower, oh my! This mash-up is perfect for curing whatever ails you. Tasty as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish, this vibrantly colored puree offers the best defense when you most need it.
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup: 87 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/3 cup: 87 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois Garlic, pumpkin and cauliflower, oh my! This mash-up is perfect for curing whatever ails you. Tasty as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish, this vibrantly colored puree offers the best defense when you most need it.
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois This one-pot meal couldn't be easier to make when you're having a sick day. Adding high quality protein to your diet gives your muscles the energy you need to get through the day. Plus, the aromatic garlic, rosemary and thyme enhances the flavor and immune-boosting impact of this cozy dish.
Nutrition Facts
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois This one-pot meal couldn't be easier to make when you're having a sick day. Adding high quality protein to your diet gives your muscles the energy you need to get through the day. Plus, the aromatic garlic, rosemary and thyme enhances the flavor and immune-boosting impact of this cozy dish.
Watercress & Orange Salad
Keep this recipe handy when you need to make a special salad quickly. The flavorful vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch to the greens and oranges. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico Watercress is an excellent superfood green that is fun to use in place of other greens like spinach or kale. With a double punch of vitamin C from the peppery watercress and zesty oranges, this plant-powered dish can boost your immunity, as well as your spirits.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 58 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
3/4 cup: 58 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Keep this recipe handy when you need to make a special salad quickly. The flavorful vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch to the greens and oranges. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico Watercress is an excellent superfood green that is fun to use in place of other greens like spinach or kale. With a double punch of vitamin C from the peppery watercress and zesty oranges, this plant-powered dish can boost your immunity, as well as your spirits.
Lemon Thyme Green Tea
Fresh sprigs of lemon thyme make this citrusy tea so refreshing—it’s like sipping summer from a cup. My family and I enjoy it so much that it’s a staple on our southern front porch.—Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia Sick days call for vitamin C, a water soluble vitamin that boosts immune health and can decrease the severity of a cold. This lemon tea is sure to soothe a sore throat and any aches and pains you have. Plus, it steeps in minutes, making it a simple elixir to help you feel better.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 33 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
1 cup: 33 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Fresh sprigs of lemon thyme make this citrusy tea so refreshing—it’s like sipping summer from a cup. My family and I enjoy it so much that it’s a staple on our southern front porch.—Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia Sick days call for vitamin C, a water soluble vitamin that boosts immune health and can decrease the severity of a cold. This lemon tea is sure to soothe a sore throat and any aches and pains you have. Plus, it steeps in minutes, making it a simple elixir to help you feel better.
Roasted Carrots & Fennel
Whether you serve roasted fennel and carrots alongside a roast, fish or grain dish, their rich flavors and tender texture are sure to impress! Fennel, a licorice-flavored herb is jam-packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that boost cell health. In addition, you get a healthy dose of vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese, which all come in handy when fighting a cold.
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 139 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
1 serving: 139 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
Whether you serve roasted fennel and carrots alongside a roast, fish or grain dish, their rich flavors and tender texture are sure to impress! Fennel, a licorice-flavored herb is jam-packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that boost cell health. In addition, you get a healthy dose of vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese, which all come in handy when fighting a cold.
Herb Roasted Root Vegetables
Here's a simple-to-fix side that is perfect for a festive dinner. It looks beautiful with any entree. Roasting brings out the vegetables' natural sweetness. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri You can't go wrong with fresh root vegetables to remedy a cold. This dish is loaded with immune-supportive vitamin C and potassium from the mix of white and sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips and turnips. The high fiber also keeps the healthy bacteria teeming in your tummy.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 130 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
3/4 cup: 130 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Here's a simple-to-fix side that is perfect for a festive dinner. It looks beautiful with any entree. Roasting brings out the vegetables' natural sweetness. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri You can't go wrong with fresh root vegetables to remedy a cold. This dish is loaded with immune-supportive vitamin C and potassium from the mix of white and sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips and turnips. The high fiber also keeps the healthy bacteria teeming in your tummy.
Orange Poppy Seed Salad
In our area, olives, walnuts, pomegranates and oranges are grown locally, and I love using them in recipes. I include all four ingredients in a simple but refreshing romanine salad. —Faith Sommers, Bangor, California It's easy to throw together this salad when you have a cold, plus you know you're doing your body good. Packed with vitamin C from the oranges, fiber and omega-3 fats from walnuts and antioxidants from the pomegranate seeds, your immune system will get the nutritional support it desperately needs. If you make the dressing with raw apple cider vinegar, you'll get an added probiotic boost too!
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 327 calories, 27g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
1 cup: 327 calories, 27g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
In our area, olives, walnuts, pomegranates and oranges are grown locally, and I love using them in recipes. I include all four ingredients in a simple but refreshing romanine salad. —Faith Sommers, Bangor, California It's easy to throw together this salad when you have a cold, plus you know you're doing your body good. Packed with vitamin C from the oranges, fiber and omega-3 fats from walnuts and antioxidants from the pomegranate seeds, your immune system will get the nutritional support it desperately needs. If you make the dressing with raw apple cider vinegar, you'll get an added probiotic boost too!
Fresh Green Beans & Garlic
I am a firm believer that fresh is best. I developed this recipe to take advantage of our garden veggies. It really shows off the full flavor of the green beans. —Carol Mayer, Sparta, Illinois If you notice digestive issues when you have a cold, it could be because of the stress on the cells in your body. To promote healthy cell turnover and to give your body the immune support it requires to heal, try this green bean dish. It's also rich with garlic, which will give you a great antimicrobial boost.
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 91 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
1 serving: 91 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
I am a firm believer that fresh is best. I developed this recipe to take advantage of our garden veggies. It really shows off the full flavor of the green beans. —Carol Mayer, Sparta, Illinois If you notice digestive issues when you have a cold, it could be because of the stress on the cells in your body. To promote healthy cell turnover and to give your body the immune support it requires to heal, try this green bean dish. It's also rich with garlic, which will give you a great antimicrobial boost.
Minestrone SoupThis minestrone soup recipe is packed with vegetables, pasta and beans in a bright tomatoey broth. It ticks all the boxes: It's hearty, incredibly comforting and a breeze to make!
Simple Tomato Soup
I created this recipe on a bad weather day. My husband, Mic, and my daughter, Liz, ask for this soup constantly. Whenever I send it with my daughter for lunch at school, I always send some for her friend too. It is pure comfort food. —Lanaee O'Neill, Chico, California Who doesn't love tomato soup when you have a cold? This soup is loaded with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant packed into tomatoes—which is especially high in cooked canned tomatoes. If you need a comfort food classic to pair with this tomato soup, try a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup (calculated without cheese): 120 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 1270mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
1 cup (calculated without cheese): 120 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 1270mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
I created this recipe on a bad weather day. My husband, Mic, and my daughter, Liz, ask for this soup constantly. Whenever I send it with my daughter for lunch at school, I always send some for her friend too. It is pure comfort food. —Lanaee O'Neill, Chico, California Who doesn't love tomato soup when you have a cold? This soup is loaded with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant packed into tomatoes—which is especially high in cooked canned tomatoes. If you need a comfort food classic to pair with this tomato soup, try a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
I order cauliflower mash every time we visit our favorite restaurant. Lucky us; one night, I figured out how to make it at home. It was so easy! —Jean Keiser, West Chester, Pennsylvania Cauliflower, the ultimate cruciferous veggie, is the star in this dish. It's one of those foods that are high in vitamin C, and it's also super simple to whip together on a sick day. To add more gut-friendly bacteria, use a dollop of plain yogurt instead of mayo.
Nutrition Facts
1/2 cup: 74 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
1/2 cup: 74 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
I order cauliflower mash every time we visit our favorite restaurant. Lucky us; one night, I figured out how to make it at home. It was so easy! —Jean Keiser, West Chester, Pennsylvania Cauliflower, the ultimate cruciferous veggie, is the star in this dish. It's one of those foods that are high in vitamin C, and it's also super simple to whip together on a sick day. To add more gut-friendly bacteria, use a dollop of plain yogurt instead of mayo.
Chai TeaThis chai tea has a mix of aromatic spices that will warm you from the inside out. With a base of your favorite black tea and soothing spices, combined with creamy milk, this recipe is bound to become a favored part of your morning routine.
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