Soup for Colds, Step 1: The Ingredients

Brussels sprouts. Another “green” source of vitamin C, more than an orange.

Sweet potatoes.  Rich in vitamin A, which boosts your immune system and helps keep mucous membranes clear.

Spinach. Popyeye says, get your vitamin A here. Also collard greens, by the way.

Mushrooms. This one may surprise you – it sure surprised me. In addition to protein, vitamin C and iron, mushrooms contain something called betaglucan, which boosts the immune system and thus help prevent infections. And they help relieve sore throats, thanks to an antioxidant called ergothioneine, which helps lower inflammation throughout the body.