If you think that a healthy dose of citrus-y fruits are the only natural cold remedies available, think again. Oddly enough, squash – which is a member of the hard gourd veggie family – is ideal for beating the common cold, especially during the winter season.
You can take your pick from any of the varieties of squash: pumpkins, butternut, summer squash, carnival squash, winter squash, as well as the lesser known variants like acorn, turban, hubbard, Kabocha, banana and spaghetti. Squash can help cure colds because it is high in beta carotene and vitamin C. One cup of squash provides your body with one third of its daily vitamin C needs. Squash also contains vitamin A which helps prevent infection. More importantly, this essential vegetable aids in rehydration and assists with fluid regulation in the body. Thus, if you do have the common cold, a cup of hot squash soup or a serving or winter pumpkin pie will do the trick and help you recover quickly.