Eating flavonoids, found in green tea, apple, blueberries, cocoa, red wine and onions can significantly reduce the risk of catching colds and coughs. 

As per this study, adults could be 33 percent more protected against the common cold or upper respiratory tract infections, if they eat flavonoids or take flavonoid supplements, compared with those who don't. Flavonoids have antioxidant effects as well and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also aid in lowering blood pressure, thereby cutting down the risk of heart diseases.

"These findings show that if you're generally healthy, eating flavonoids found in lots of fruits and vegetables can help stave off the bugs over winter," Xinhua news agency quoted Braakhuis as saying. "We'd all love to make it through winter without one of these nasty colds. They're a leading cause of visits to a doctor, yet antibiotics don't help, so it's worth giving flavonoids a go as part of a healthy diet. Eating five serves of vegetables and two of fruits each day, in a variety of colours, will put you well on the path to getting enough flavonoids. Make sure your dinner plate is at least half full of vegetables, sip green tea over winter and enjoy the occasional red wine," she added.

Most adults have two or three colds a year and children can have up to five, with symptoms including a sore throat, cough, runny nose and headache. As green tea and red wine has many health benefits experts advice consuming green tea and red wine for its health benefits. 

By Lizitha