During a cold, it is important to choose products that will support the body and help it recover faster. Oatmeal is considered one of these products.
However, is it worth including it in your diet during illness, and what benefits can it bring?
During a cold, the body needs support, which can be provided by proper nutrition.
One of the popular products that is often included in the diet during illnesses is oatmeal. This product is rich in vitamins and minerals, but how does it affect the body during a cold?
Benefits of oatmeal for colds
Oatmeal contains many beneficial substances such as B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and fiber.
These components play an important role in strengthening the immune system and maintaining energy, which is especially important during colds.
B vitamins help normalize metabolism and support the nervous system, which helps the body cope with stress caused by illness.
Magnesium and zinc help strengthen the immune system, allowing the body to fight viruses and infections more effectively.
Oatmeal also has an enveloping effect, which helps protect the gastric mucosa and reduce throat irritation.
How Oatmeal Helps Coughs and Sore Throats
Due to its soft texture and enveloping properties, oatmeal can be useful for coughs and sore throats.
Eating oatmeal helps reduce irritation of the mucous membrane and ease discomfort. In addition, oatmeal is easily digestible and does not burden the digestive system, which is important during illness when the body directs its energy to fight infection.
Oatmeal as a source of energy during illness
Colds are often accompanied by weakness and loss of appetite. In such cases, oatmeal becomes an ideal option for nutrition, as it quickly saturates the body with energy and provides it with essential nutrients.
The fiber contained in oatmeal supports normal bowel function and prevents constipation, which can occur due to lack of physical activity during illness.
Contraindications and precautions
Despite all the benefits of oatmeal, it may not always be healthy. In some cases, such as gluten allergy or celiac disease, it is better to avoid oatmeal.
It's also important to remember that oatmeal can be quite high in calories, especially if you cook it with milk and added sugar and other sweet ingredients.
Therefore, during periods of illness, it is worth consuming it in moderation and avoiding adding sugar.
Also, if your cold is accompanied by indigestion, oatmeal may worsen symptoms due to its fiber content. In such cases, it is best to consult a doctor before introducing oatmeal into your diet.
Recommendations for using oatmeal for colds
To get the maximum benefit from oatmeal during a cold, it is recommended to cook it in water or low-fat milk, without adding sugar or other high-calorie ingredients.
You can add a little honey, if you are not allergic, or berries, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
The ideal option would be to eat oatmeal in the morning to provide the body with energy for the whole day. Oatmeal combined with herbal teas or decoctions will also help support the immune system and speed up recovery.
For reference
Cold is a clinical syndrome acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract , affecting mainly the nose and arising from a non-specific acute respiratory infection.
