The Time to Build Up Our Immunity Against Colds and Influenza Is Now

The Gallup survey team reports our seasons for the flu and colds typically peak in February in the Northern Hemisphere with nearly three percent of the population self-reporting symptoms of the flu and ten percent self-reporting cold symptoms during that time frame.  So what can we do to protect ourselves in the next 25 days to avoid getting sick?

• Go out and get a flu shot without delay! Flu shots take about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the influenza virus infection. 
• Build up our immunity with good nutrition - year round the cornerstone of good health.  

When cold and flu season are in full swing, we don't want to find ourselves sneezing in the office or suffering a coughing fit in the supermarket.  Many swear by steaming chicken soup this time of year.  But chicken soup is not the only way to fight off a cold. Keep in mind that foods high in bioflavonoids - such as yellow onions - may do the trick.

Ingredients:  To make a nutritious onion soup for two to three servings gather up these ingredients:

• 350 grams of onions (roughly 12 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon of canola oil (roughly 0.5 ounce)
• 1 teaspoon of cane sugar (roughly 0.2 ounce)
• 400 ml of vegetable stock (roughly 13.5 ounces)
• 100 ml of dry white wine (roughly 3.5 ounces)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (roughly .2 ounce)
• salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:  Here is how to make the onion soup:

1. Cut your onions into rings and separate them.  Sauté for 10 to 15 minutes in hot canola oil.
2. Season the sautéing onions with the sugar, salt and pepper and simmer them another 10 minutes. Stir mixture occasionally until onions become an appetizing golden brown.
3. Pour in the broth and the white wine.  Simmer the mixture for another 15 minutes. 
4. Peel the garlic clove, chop it finely and add it to the soup mixture.
5. Add the lemon juice.  Heat for another two minutes.  
6. Soup will now be ready to serve.  
7. Refrigerate any leftovers.  Reheat before serving.  

Rationale:  Why this soup is good for us -

• Onions have properties to kill bacteria and viruses.
• White wine supports detoxification in the body and elevates our spirits.
• Lemon juice contains a lot of vitamin C which is known to strengthen immune systems.

Bon appétit!