Yogurt

How it helps-It contains probiotics that strengthen the immune system. In one study, people who ate three-quarter of a cup of yogurt a daily for a year had 25 percent fewer colds than those who didn’t

Simple way to savor: stir into black bean soup

Eggs

How it helps -Packed with amino acids, zinc and B vitamins, egg build white blood cells and antibodies, which the body need to fight off illnesses

Simple way to savor: hard-boil a couple for a Greek salad with spinach, olives, tomatoes and feta.

Red bell pepper

How it helps-One pepper contains a whopping 200mg or more of vitamin C (an Orange, by comparison, provides about 70).

Simple way to savor: Julienne a fresh pepper and dip into store-bought hummus

Ginger

How it helps-An age-old Chinese cure-all for colds, fresh ginger may fight viruses by helping your body sweat out toxins.

Simple way to savor: Peel and finely chop a bulb and add to a stir-fry of shrimp and mixed vegetables

Garlic

How it helps-It contains sulfur-based compounds that may keep your body free of infection by boosting your immune system

Simple way to savor: Dice a peeled clove or two and stir into your mashed potatoes

                                                                                          from fitness magazine Dec.07/Jan. 08