(04-04-13) Eight foods that help fight spring allergies

by Sandeep Godiyal

(NaturalNews) Spring allergies are indeed bothersome. But instead of reaching out to the usual medications, individuals can now seek relief from various foods. Among the known foods that help fight off spring allergies are citrus fruits, red grapes, broccoli, collard green, nuts, apples, fish, onions and garlic. With a diet enriched with these foods, individuals allergic to spring can find comfort and relief.
Citrus fruits
There are several studies that prove the power of vitamin C. And what better way to get a load of vitamin C than with citrus fruits. Oranges, lemon and grapefruit among others are rich sources of this vitamin.
Red grapes
One of the most troublesome effects of allergies is the inflammation that comes with it. Eating foods rich in antioxidants can help reduce inflammation that may occur in the entire body. What antioxidants do is they work to protect the cells from oxidative damage. Such may cause several diseases. Moreover, red grapes' skin is also rich in resveratrol which is equally effective for anti-inflammation.
Broccoli
A blocked-up sinus can be relieved by eating broccoli. But that is not the only benefit of this vegetable. It is also rich in vitamin C. As a matter of fact, according to researchers, a cup of raw broccoli contains up to 80 mg of the vitamin.
Collard green
Collard greens contain phytochemicals, specifically carotenoids. This component is well known for easing allergic reactions. And to further boost the effects of carotenoids contained in collard greens, allergy-stricken individuals should consume the vegetable with a fat source.
Nuts
Nuts are filled with magnesium and vitamin E. Magnesium can work against wheezing that often comes with asthma. Vitamin E, on the other hand, can help improve immunity. This vitamin also works to aid the body's protection against free radicals, thereby preventing inflammation and damage on the tissue.
Apples
According to a Crete diet study, individuals who eat apples regularly have greater chances of protection from allergies and asthma. This fruit contains quercetin which is a kind of flavonoid that is effective for use against inflammation. The peel from apple is also rich in antioxidants, specifically polyphenols which protect the cells from damage.
Fish
Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 can also help improve the immune system so the body can better fight off allergies.
Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are also rich in quercetin. As a matter of fact, they can act much like how an antihistamine does which makes them very effective when incorporated in an anti-spring allergy diet.

There are plenty of food solutions around to compound the nasty effects of spring allergies. The best part is these are all natural solutions and they can be enjoyed as food as well. Individuals who are prone to suffering from spring allergies should ensure that their diet is packed with these eight kinds of food to better protect themselves and avoid suffering from all the uncomfortable and troublesome allergic reactions the season brings.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.mnn.com
http://www.organicgardening.com

About the author:
Sandeep is an avid rock climber, Mountaineer, runner, and fitness coach. He shares his tips for staying in shape and eating healthy on several fitness sites.

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