14 foods you can eat as much as you want and not gain weight

While there's no such thing as a zero-calorie food, there are foods you can enjoy freely without having to worry about packing on the pounds.

According to nutritionist Dr. Lisa Young, these foods generally fall into one of two categories: non-starchy fruits or vegetables.

Young says there are few reasons why you won't gain weight from eating these foods:

• They're mostly made up of water.
• They're low in calories.
• They contain fiber, which helps make you feel and stay full.

Although these fruits and vegetables aren't high in protein, they're packed with plenty of vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that have numerous benefits for your health.

It's important to note that, just like with any other food, if you eat too much of these foods, you will gain weight. But for the reasons listed above, it's unlikely that you'll overindulge in these specific items. 

Celery

Almost 95% of celery is water, but that doesn't mean the vegetable doesn't have significant health benefits. Celery contains potassium, folate, fiber, and 30% of your daily requirement of vitamin K. There are only six calories in a single serving.

You're best off eating celery when it's fresh, though. The vegetable loses many of its antioxidants within five to seven days of being purchased.

Kale

Kale is light in calories - one cup of raw kale only has about 33 calories - but it contains close to three grams of protein and 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.

It's one of the relatively few foods that contains an omega-three fatty acid, a nutrient that most people rely on fish to get. Like other kinds of lettuce, kale is also high in vitamins and folate.

Blueberries

Blueberries' claim to fame is their antioxidant content. The fruit has more antioxidants than any other fruit. And for all the fiber a cup of blueberries packs - 14% of your recommended daily value - it only has around 85 calories.

Cucumbers

A fruit that is mostly made up of water, cucumbers only contain 16 calories per serving. The seeds and skin contain most of the fruit's nutritional value, so you're best off not peeling your cucumbers.

The peel and seeds provide both fiber and a form of vitamin A known as beta-carotene, which is known to be good for your eyes.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are best known for the fact that they contain lycopene, a carotenoid, which helps fight against chronic diseases and also gives the fruit its red color. Besides lycopene, tomatoes are high in vitamins A, C, and B2, as well as folate, chromium, potassium, and fiber.

And for all the nutrients it boasts, one medium-sized tomato only has around 25 calories.

Grapefruit

Studies have shown that adding grapefruit to your diet can increase weight loss, which is often why it's considered a diet food. This is because grapefruits are high in fiber, which keeps hunger at bay by stabilizing blood sugar levels and helping you feel fuller for longer. There are only 50 calories in one half of a grapefruit.

The vitamin C found in grapefruit can reduce the risk of a number of health problems, like cancer and heart issues. Grapefruit can also work wonders in lowering cholesterol and improving digestion, and the folate found in the fruit makes it an ideal snack for pregnant women.

Broccoli

Broccoli is most nutritious when eaten raw or when steamed. This super vegetable contains sulforaphane, an anticarcinogen that works to destroy cancer-causing chemicals that the body might take in either through the environment or through food.

Besides vitamins A, C, E, and K, one serving of steamed broccoli contains approximately 20% of your daily fiber requirement. Plus, there are only about 31 calories in one serving.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe has more beta carotene - a form of vitamin A that promotes healthy eyes - than many other similar fruits like oranges, grapefruits, peaches, and mangoes. Just one cup of the fruit provides you with potassium as well as more than 100% of your daily recommended value of vitamins A and C.

Plus, since water makes up 90% of cantaloupe, there are only 55 calories in one serving.

Cauliflower

Although its white color may make people think otherwise, cauliflower is actually a very versatile and nutritious vegetable. It contains antioxidants and phytochemicals - both of which help to fight off chronic disease - and it's an excellent source of folate, fiber, and vitamins C and K.

There are around 25 calories in one serving.

Blackberries

Blackberries' health benefits are incredibly versatile. Like many other berries, the fruit is rich in vitamin C as well as antioxidants known as bioflavonoids.

Beyond that, eating blackberries can aid with digestion and staying alert, and tightens tissue, leading to younger-looking skin. There are around 62 calories in a single serving of the berries.

Lettuce

Most types of lettuce - whether it's romaine or iceberg - only have about 10 to 2o calories per serving. And although lettuce won't add a lot of protein to your diet, it will add plenty of vitamins and nutrients like folate, iron, and vitamins A and C.

Oranges

Most people know oranges for their vitamin C content, but the citrus fruit touts multiple other benefits. Since vitamin C is crucial in collagen production, oranges help keep skin free of damage and looking good. It's also low in calories; a medium-sized orange has about 80 calories.

And if you're not eating that white stuff under an orange's skin - pith - you should start. Pith contains a lot of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Strawberries

There's more vitamin C in one serving of strawberries than there is in one orange. In addition, strawberries are also bursting with polyphenols, a type of antioxidant.

Strawberries are also a good source of potassium and fiber, and they're fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free, which makes them healthy for the heart. One cup of the fruit only has around 50 calories.

Honeydew melon

Honeydew melon has only slightly more calories per serving than cantaloupe (64), and the majority of these calories come from the 14 grams of natural sugar the fruit provides.

Honeydew also contains over half of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, as well as copper, which is crucial for healthy skin.

16 Foods and Drinks to Avoid When You're Dehydrated

With temperatures rising, your body needs more water and key electrolytes to carry out its normal functions. According to the Mayo Clinic, dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in.

But dehydration doesn’t just occur because you’re not drinking enough H2O. It can also happen if you eat or drink certain foods and beverages that have a diuretic effect, meaning they help your body get rid of fluids. To ensure you’re properly hydrated, exercise caution with these foods and drinks that can cause dehydration—especially when it’s particularly hot out.

1. Soda

Sipping on a fizzy soda might seem refreshing on a hot day, but research from the World Health Organization shows that sugar in soft drinks (especially diet beverages) can have a hypernatremic effect on the body. In translation, it means that it actually draws water from your tissues and depletes your body of fluids. Moreover, the caffeine in sodas acts as a mild diuretic and causes you to urinate more frequently. A study from PLOS One also shows that drinking chilled carbonated beverages can give you a false impression that it’s hydrating when, in fact, it’s robbing you of H2O.

2. Fruit Juice

Much like soda, commercial fruit juices (which typically have loads of empty calories) can promote dehydration. Fruit juice and fruit drinks are also high in carbohydrates, which can upset your stomach and exacerbate dehydration symptoms.

3. Coconut Water

Don’t let the “water” in “coconut water” fool you. Not only do many varieties of the trendy drink contain H2O-draining added sugar, but research has also shown that coconut water is less hydrating than regular water. According to a study in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, coconut water isn’t as hydrating as water during exercise. The study also suggests that because of coconut water’s bitter taste, people are less inclined to drink it post-workout compared to straight-up water.

4. Coffee

While enjoying a cup or two of joe in the morning is fine, overdoing it on the caffeine can pose a dehydration risk. Per a French study, caffeine has a well-known diuretic effect and can inhibit sodium reabsorption. So you can still enjoy your latte, but be sure to limit your consumption to 400 mg of caffeine daily and avoid using sugar or artificial sweeteners.

5. 'Detox Tea'

Tea has a wealth of health-boosting polyphenols and antioxidants, but detox varieties are actually dehydrating and pose certain health risks. Many of these detox teas that purport to flatten your belly and drop pant sizes contain senna leaves—which have a laxative effect. If you’ve been drinking these teas to help you lose weight, talk to your doctor or dietitian about a safer, more effective way to shed pounds.

6. Energy Drinks

A Red Bull might sound like a great idea after a late night out, but energy drinks like these often do more harm than good. According to a study in Amino Acids, energy drinks have fluid-robbing effects. Research in the International Journal of Health Sciences shows that they can cause gastrointestinal distress when drinking it during a workout.

7. Alcohol

There’s a reason you experience so many of those bathroom breaks in between drinks and wake up with a hangover after a night of revelry. Alcohol is a natural diuretic and causes your body to squeeze out water from your cells. Although it might be tempting to enjoy a few beers outside on a hot summer day, sweating coupled with imbibing will dehydrate you even faster. To avoid getting dehydrated, be sure to sip on water in between alcoholic drinks.

8. Asparagus

The rumors are true: Asparagus makes your pee smell strange and it also makes you pee more often. According to a study in the West Indian Medical Journal, the amino acid in asparagus called aspargine can cause your body to release water. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you should stop eating asparagus altogether. It’s an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, after all. However if you suffer from kidney stones, the National Institutes of Health recommends avoiding the spring veggie.

9. Artichokes

Artichoke has been used traditionally as a medicinal herb for its diuretic and digestive properties. In a review in the Monaldi Archives For Chest Disease, researchers found that the veggie has diuretic effects on both animals and humans, though it’s unlikely that consuming normal amounts of artichoke will dehydrate you. The veggie has actually been shown to have numerous benefits, including preventing cardiovascular disease and detoxing the liver.

10. Beets

As with several foods on this list, beets have diuretic properties. While eating them in moderation likely won’t leave you dehydrated, the ruby-hued veggies help flush the liver. They’re also high in potassium, which helps eliminate fluid in the body.

11. High-Protein Meals

Eating high-protein meals is a great way to stay full and energized while building muscle, but overdoing it on protein can lead to dehydration. Researchers from the University of Connecticut’s Department of Nutritional Sciences enlisted five student-athletes to consume low, moderate, and high amounts of protein for four weeks at a time. The hydration status of the athletes was evaluated bi-weekly. Researchers found that when athletes consumed the highest amount of protein, their kidney function became abnormal, but when they cut back on protein, their kidney function returned to normal. This isn’t reason enough to nix a protein-rich diet, but it shows that you should increase your water intake when you up your protein consumption.

12. Cured Meats

Cured meats are dehydrating because they’re loaded with salt and sugar that’ll suck water right out of your body. For example, just one serving of Boar’s Head chorizo contains 520 mg of sodium—over a third of the daily recommendation for salt. If you want to curb your sodium intake, eliminate cured meats from your diet and stick to lean, grass-fed meat instead.

13. Soy Sauce

Another salty item people often overlook is soy sauce. The popular sushi condiment contains a whopping 879 mg of sodium per each serving, so you could easily hit your daily salt quota with soy sauce alone. Ingesting too much salt not only leads to dehydration, but it also puts you at risk for high blood pressure.

.14. Fried Foods

Fried foods are hidden sources of salt, and when you pair them with sugary condiments, they become the ultimate dehydrating duo. Like a bad chain reaction, they’ll signal to your body that you need more fluids, and you’ll be tempted to order a soda at the drive-thru. So make sure you have some water on hand if you’re planning to treat yourself to some French fries or chicken nuggets.

15. Salty Snacks

Mindlessly noshing on potato chips, popcorn, or pretzels can take a toll on your weight-loss efforts, not to mention your hydration levels. The saltier the snacks, the thirstier you’ll be. Instead of reaching for salty snacks, swap them for veggies and hummus. They have the same wonderful crunch and are packed with satiating fiber and protein, so you’ll stay fuller longer.

16. Frozen Dinners

According to the American Heart Association, more than 75 percent of the sodium in the average American diet comes from processed foods. Frozen dinners are some of the worst offenders. It’s best to just steer clear of them (or know which of the best frozen foods aren’t so bad for you). 

15 Foods That Will Help Lower Your Cholesterol

Pomegranate
Whether you're a seed gal or prefer your pomegranates in juice-form, you're sure to reap the fruit's cholesterol-lowering powers: "Any form of pomegranate - whether the arils or the juice - could help control cholesterol by slowing its buildup," says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, New Jersey-based dietitian and owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition.

Chickpeas
Chickpeas aren't just a solid source of protein - they're also a great option to eat if you need to lower your cholesterol. "One study found that eating pulses, like lentils and dried peas, daily significantly lowered bad 'LDL' cholesterol levels by about 5 percent," says Gorin. "One of my favorite way to eat pulses is roasting chickpeas."

Plum

Grabbing a plum to snack on during the day is a sweet way to keep your cholesterol levels in check: The fruit contains anthocyanins - a.k.a. antioxidants - that help out your heart by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. According to one study, eating three or more servings of anthocyanin-rich fruit each week can lower your heart attack risk by 34 percent.

Whole-Grain Cereal

If you skip breakfast, you might want to give the most important meal of the day another shot. Women who eat a bowl of fiber-rich cereal every morning have lower levels of cholesterol than those who don't eat breakfast at all. It's all thanks to the fiber: "Fiber binds with cholesterol and speeds its excretion before it reaches your arteries," says Tanya Zuckerbrot, RD.

Oats

Speaking of fiber, the same goes for oats: Eating a hefty bowl of oatmeal in the morning can help lower your cholesterol and keep you full and satisfied until lunch.

Kamut

When it comes to lowering your cholesterol, this ancient grain will become your new BFF. "In one study by Italian researchers, people regularly eating foods made with kamut saw their cholesterol levels decrease," Gorin says. "Serve kamut just as you would brown rice or quinoa, like with roasted salmon and steamed veggies."

White Beans

Like chickpeas, white beans are also cholesterol-fighting superstars: The pulse is a master at lowering your levels, and you can enjoy it multiple different ways: "I love using white beans as a pizza topping," Gorin says.

Coconut

Eating coconut won't just make you feel like you got transported to a tropical paradise: It also has some major health benefits. One study showed eating the fruit is great at lowering cholesterol levels - even if you just top your salad with some crunchy flakes.

Tart Cherries

All cherries are delicious, but there's something extra special about this sour variety. "I love snacking on dried Montmorency tart cherries not only because they have a sour-sweet flavor, but because they also have fiber," Gorin says. "Plus, you get other heart-helping benefits, too. Anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant found in purple and dark red fruits and vegetables, may help decrease the risk of heart attack in women."

Garlic

Garlic is so easy to cook with that you have no excuse not to do so immediately. "I love adding garlic to stir-fries, grilled veggies like asparagus, and even using it to flavor olive oil," Gorin says. "Research shows the power herb could help reduce total cholesterol levels, so why not give it a try?"

Wild Blueberries

Another food with cholesterol-fighting fiber are wild blueberries. "Just one cup of frozen wild blueberries offers around 6 grams of fiber, which is about a quarter of your daily need," Gorin says. "They offer twice the antioxidants of regular blueberries - and eating a diet rich in antioxidants is linked with a lower risk of heart disease."

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds got their superfood-status for many reasons, but one is that they're full of fiber. "The soluble fiber acts like a sponge, soaking up cholesterol, while the insoluble fiber works like a broom, sweeping the intestines clean," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD.

Red Onion

Onions might make you shed a tear or two, but the cry sesh is worth it: The veggie contains anthoxanthins that help lower blood pressure... and speed up your metabolism.

Walnuts

There's never been a better time to go nuts for nuts. "Many studies show us that regularly eating nuts can help lower our cholesterol - both total cholesterol and 'bad' LDL cholesterol," Gorin says. "Some research indicates that taking in 60 grams - about 2.1 ounces - of nuts daily yields the biggest benefits."

Broccoli

Adding some broccoli to your plate will do your body good. Since the veggie is packed with fiber, steaming a few cups for dinner or eating a handful as a snack will keep your cholesterol levels in check.

30 Absolute Best Foods for Your Immune System

Although an upcoming change of the seasons and drop in temperature signals the start of fall, it also means the start of cold season. And if you’re not careful, you could be one of the thousands of people who catch a cold or flu.

Of course, one of the best ways to keep yourself from getting sick is by getting your annual flu shot, but fortifying your immune system doesn’t end at the doctor’s office. You can also protect your body from the coughing and sniffles by loading up on these immune-boosting foods we’ve listed below. 

1. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken soup is a staple for surviving cold and flu season, and not just because the warm comfort food is a nostalgic throwback to mom taking care of you. According to the University of California Los Angeles, this soup has an anti-inflammatory effect and calms down inflammation in the upper respiratory tract that takes place when you develop a cold. The university also noted that the soup helps relieve nasal congestion.

2. Ginger Tea

When it comes to treating a common cold, ginger is one of the best foods for relief. In a review published in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine, researchers summarized that ginger’s potent anti-inflammtory properties were key in the root’s powers to combat a cold or flu. Because inflammation can affect your body’s immune response, anti-inflammatory ginger can play a key role in boosting your immunity.

3. Turmeric

This spice is more than just a delicious kick to your next dinnertime meal; it contains a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. (This same compound is what lends turmeric’s signature vibrant orange-yellow color.) According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology, curcumin activates the production of T-cells, which are the main cells fighting for your health in your immune system.

4. Oranges

Oranges are packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient when you’re feeling under the weather. According to a review conducted by the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, at the Australian National University, vitamin C is helpful in preventing the common cold for people exposed to sickness-inducing environments, such as cold weather, and can help lower the duration and severity of a cold.

5. Water

When you’re feeling sick, good ol’ H2O can be one of the most helpful drinks to sip on. Staying hydrated can help loosen trapped mucus, according to The Mayo Clinic. Try drinking at least the recommended 8 glasses of water a day to keep yourself fully hydrated, since we tend to lose more fluids when we’re sick, The Mayo Clinic suggests.

6. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is filled with sickness-fighting probiotics and is packed with more protein than regular yogurt. A meta-analysis published in the journalKorean Journal of Family Medicine found that probiotics can help to prevent and treat the common cold. The researchers discovered that people who ate probiotics daily had a lower risk of catching a cold than those who did not eat any probiotic-rich food.

7. Blueberries

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants that can help treat and prevent coughs and colds. According to research conducted by theUniversity of Auckland, consuming flavonoids—a class of antioxidants found in blueberries—made adults 33 percent less likely to catch a cold than those who did not eat flavonoid-rich foods or supplements daily.

8. Ginseng Tea

Ginseng tea is popular for more reasons than its delicious taste. Namely, the tea has been used as a treatment for upper respiratory tract infections (a.k.a. the common cold). A review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal noted that ginseng has been shown to significantly reduce the symptoms of colds and influenza. However, the researchers noted that more research needs to be conducted to fully support ginseng’s immunity-boosting claims.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are also a great food to eat when you’re sick due to their high concentration of vitamin C. Just one medium tomato contains a little over 16 milligrams of vitamin C, which is a proven fuel to your body’s immune system. In a German study published by Medizinische Monatsschrift fur Pharmazeuten, vitamin C was shown to be a vital part of the strength of the body’s phagocytes and t-cells, two major components of the immune system. The researchers also noted that a deficiency in this nutrient can lead to a weaker immune system and a lower resistance to certain pathogens that can lead to illness.

10. Wild Salmon

Wild salmon is filled with zinc, a nutrient that has been proven to assist with reducing common cold symptoms. If you want your family, and especially your children, to avoid a cold this winter season, then you should be giving them zinc-rich foods. The Journal of Family Practice published a study examining the effects of zinc on the common cold in children ages one to 10 years old. Researchers found that zinc, in comparison to a placebo, significantly reduced the severity and duration of symptoms when taken within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms.

The researchers noted that another trial involving children ages 6.5 to 10 years old proved zinc to also be a helpful component in preventing that cold. The children who took 15 mg zinc daily for seven months were found to be significantly less likely to catch a cold during flu season in comparison to those in the control group.

11. Dark Chocolate

Believe it or not, dark chocolate can be extremely helpful in fighting off of a cold. Dark chocolate contains a heavy concentration of theobromine, an antioxidant that has been proven to alleviate coughing. A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that theobromine is helpful in suppressing cough symptoms for people with bronchitis, but notes that more research needs to be done to fully confirm their findings.

12. Red Peppers

Red peppers are another vitamin C-rich source for fighting colds. A 2013 review noted in a Harvard Health Letter found that consuming 200 milligrams of vitamin C every day can cut your risk of getting a cold in half, especially if you’re active. It also cut down the duration of symptoms by 8 percent in adults and 14 percent in children.

13. Broccoli

University of California in Los Angeles researchers reported that broccoli can be a great addition to your diet if you’re trying to prevent a cold. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables were proven to help boost immunity, according to the study. Researchers claim that sulforaphane, a chemical in the vegetable, switches on antioxidant genes and enzymes in specific immune cells, which combat free radicals in your body and prevent you from getting sick.

14. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This oil has been shown to also help rebuild and boost the body’s immunity. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that olive oil’s high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids act as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body, which also assisted in boosting the immune system and guarding the body of infection.

15. Green Tea

Green tea is not only one of our recommended 5 Best Teas For Weight Loss, it’s also one of the best sources for fighting off a cold. It contains flavonoids, an antioxidant that boosts immunity, and has anti-inflammatory properties, according to a study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology. The study states that the antioxidant catechin, which is heavily prevalent in green tea, is known to be a powerful antibacterial and antiviral and can kill off cold-starting bacteria and the influenza virus.

16. Spinach

Spinach is a major superfood that is great for your overall health. Not only is it packed with digestion-regulating fiber, but it also contains vitamin C. Like with bell peppers and oranges, vitamin C is a powerful nutrient that can assist in preventing the common cold and help reduce symptoms of sickness.

17. Whole Grain Bread

Whole grains contain anti-inflammatory properties, which allows for an increase of production of healthy bacteria, according to a study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Seventy percent of your immune system lives in your gut; so, it’s important to keep your gut healthy if you want to fend off any cold-causing germs!

18. Eggs

Eggs, and especially the yolks, are packed with immunity-boosting nutrients. Eggs contain a high amount of vitamin D, a vitamin that’s vital in regulating and strengthening immunity. According to a study published in the journal JAMA, participants who took a daily serving of vitamin D in the wintertime were less likely to catch a cold or any other upper respiratory tract infection in comparison to those who did not.

19. Garlic

Garlic has built a reputation for being one of the best cold-curing foods, and for good reason. A review of the food published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews showed that a group of participants in a study who ate garlic over a three-month period only had 24 cases of the common cold total, a significant decrease in comparison to the 65 cases reported by the control group. However, the researchers noted that more studies need to be conducted in order to validate garlic’s true impact on the common cold.

20. Apples

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” isn’t just an old wives’ tale—apples actually can help prevent illnesses such as the common cold. This fruit contains phytochemical antioxidants, according to a study published in Nutrition Journal. These antioxidants help boost immunity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

21. Nuts

Most nuts contain vitamin E, another vitamin that’s crucial to fighting off sickness. A study published by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that taking 50 milligrams of vitamin E daily helped cigarette-smoking men who were 65 years and older living in cities reduce their risk of catching a cold by 28 percent, however the researchers noted that more studies need to be conducted in order to fully validate vitamin E’s potential in preventing colds.

22. Light White Tuna

Like salmon, light white tuna is also filled with zinc. This nutrient has a heavy impact on your immune system, and helps reduce symptoms of the common cold, according to a study by theCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The study found that people who were ingesting at least 75 milligrams of zinc a day were relieved of their cold symptoms in a shorter amount of time in comparison to those who did not.

23. Rosemary

Rosemary is not only a tasty herb to add to your next dinnertime dish, it’s also an amazing anti-inflammatory and is a rich source of antioxidants. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition noted that most herbs, such as rosemary, contain antioxidants that serve as anti-inflammatory properties in the body. This anti-inflammatory effect allows for better digestive and gut health, leading to a boost in your immune system to keep you healthy.

24. Bone Broth

Animal-based bone broths could be the key reason as to why soups are great for you when you’re suffering from sickness. According to a study by the American College Of Chest Physicians, chicken soup’s broth could be the reason for its anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which leads to relief from major cold symptoms.

25. Raw Honey

All-natural, raw honey not only tastes delicious but can also help soothe some symptoms of a cold. Honey is helpful in relieving sore and itchy throats, says this study published by the Iran Journal of Basic Medical Science. The study also states that honey acts as an antibacterial, killing any germs in the body that can cause you to get sick.

26. Miso

Miso is made from soy, which contains isoflavone antioxidants that help boost the immune system. This study published in the American Society for Clinical Nutrition showed that due to the antioxidant content in soy products, postmenopausal women were able to reduce inflammation in their bodies and boost their immunity.

27. Oysters

Oysters, like the rest of the seafood listed earlier, are high in zinc. It is one of the highest recommended seafood to eat for incorporating zinc into your diet, as Dana Corriel, MD and internist suggested in our 27 Doctors’ Own Cures for a Cold article.

28. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are great for boosting your immunity, according to a study by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Research suggests that participants who ate shiitake mushrooms every day for four weeks had a significant increase in numbers and strength of immunity-boosting T-cells. They also noticed a reduction in inflammatory-inducing proteins, proving that shiitake mushrooms also act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

29. Anise Tea

Anise acts as an antibacterial and antifungal, according to an in-depth review of the plant published in the International Scholarly Research Notices: Pharmacology. The study also noted that anise acts as an antiviral, and contains antioxidants that can help boost your immunity.

30. Fennel

Fennel has a variety of soothing effects that can help relieve you of your flu-like symptoms. A study published in BioMed Research International noted that fennel acts as a soothing mechanism for those suffering from conjunctivitis, diarrhea, fevers, and stomach aches due to its abundance of phytochemicals that act as antioxidants. The research also notes that fennel contains flavonoids that act as anti-inflammatory agents. 

Joy Behar wants to know why President Trump hasn't been 'brought up on charges of hate speech'

An exasperated Joy Behar confusedly asked why President Donald Trump hasn't been "brought up on charges of hate speech" during Thursday's edition of "The View."

Behar and the other co-hosts were discussing the controversial tweets from the president telling four female members of Congress to go back to their home countries, despite only one being an immigrant.

"He doesn't care or doesn't acknowledge the fact that what he is doing is possibly inviting violence towards these women, and women who are saying this is wrong. I don't like this," said Whoopi Goldberg.

"No question," said Sunny Hostin.

"This involves every female in this country," Goldberg claimed.

"Well why can't he be brought up on charges of hate speech?" Behar asked bizarrely.

"Why can't he be sued by the ACLU for hate speech?" she asked later. "I don't get it. How does he get away with this."

Many on social media ridiculed Behar for her comments, but Scott Shackford of Reason.com offered an explanation for why the president could not be charged with "hate speech," and why even if there were such a thing, the ACLU would not be the entity to sue him.

"Hate speech" is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. Yelling for Omar to go back to Somalia (or to be forcibly sent to Somalia) is gross, but falls under free speech protections as an opinion.

In the event we did have laws against "hate speech," they'd be enforced by the government, not by the ACLU. Given that Trump runs the branch of government that would enforce such laws, and that he regularly declares the media to be the "enemy of the people," we should be reassured, not upset, that there is no law against "hate speech."

Shackford went on to add that the ACLU is ideologically opposed to hate speech laws.

Here's the video of Behar's comments:

Trump advised to 'moderate his position' by First Lady, VP, and others after 'send her back' chant: report

President Donald Trump was reportedly advised by those closest to him to pull back and distance himself from the rhetoric that surrounded and led to the "send her back" chants directed at Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) at his North Carolina campaign rally, CBS News reported.

According to CBS News White House correspondent Major Garrett, first lady Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, vice president Mike Pence & Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel spoke to the president after the inflammatory incident, cautioning him not to embrace it.

Garrett reported that they told Trump to "moderate his position or leave the impression he was unhappy." On Thursday, Trump did just that, saying to reporters "I disagree with it, by the way, but it was quite a chant. I felt a little bit badly about it. I was not happy with it. I disagree with it."

NEW: First lady Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, VP Mike Pence & RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel were among those who spoke to Pres. Trump about the "send her back!" chants Thursday, counseling that he "moderate his position or leave the impression he was unhappy," @MajorCBS reports.

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) July 18, 2019

Other Republicans also condemned the chant.

"That does not need to be our campaign call, like we did the 'lock her up' last time," said Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.). "We cannot be defined by this."

"Those chants have no place in our party or our country," Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said.

The "send her back" chant was an evolution of a comment the president made in a tweet directed at Omar and Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).

"Why don't they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Then come back and show us how t is done. These places need your help badly, you can't leave fast enough. I'm sure that Nancy Pelosi would be very happy to quickly work out free travel arrangements!" Trump wrote as part of a series of tweets.

Rand Paul nails 'guttersnipe' Jon Stewart and the 'left-wing mob' for lying about 9/11 survivor fund

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) did not hold back in his scathing response to comedian Jon Stewart and the "left-wing mob" who claimed that he blocked a bill on funding for survivors of the 9/11 terror attack.

"I know Jon Stewart, and Jon Stewart is sometimes funny and sometimes informed, but in this case he's neither funny nor informed," Paul said.

"I've spent me entire senate career putting forward pay-fors for anytime spending is expanding. As soon ago as two weeks ago I put forward a pay-for for the border funding, I put forward a pay-for for the disaster funding. I do this on every new bit of funding," he explained.

"So he's really not informed, and his name-calling just sort of exposes him as a left-winger, part of the left-wing mob that really isn't using his brain and is willing to call people names. It's really kind of disgusting, because see, he pretended for years when he was on his comedy show to be somebody who could see both sides and see through the BS on both sides, well now he is the BS, the BS meter is through the roof," Paul added.

"When you see him calling people names, calling people an abomination, when I'm asking for something very reasonable, that an amendment be included to consider whether we should pay for this, by taking money somewhere else in the budget. It doesn't actually reduce the deficit, it just keeps the deficit from getting bigger. It's a very reasonable thing, I've done it dozens and dozens of times," he continued.

Paul pointed out that he tried to force the tax bill to pay for itself, but it was voted out, which is a false accusation made by many of the left criticizing him.

"The left wing mob doesn't care about the truth," Paul said. "Jon Stewart doesn't care about the truth. It's all about me me me Jon Stewart, look at me, I'm on TV!"

Stewart was lauded by the media for excoriating members of Congress for not showing up to a hearing about extending funding for the program. Some Republicans pushed back on his characterization that they didn't care about the survivors.

Stewart also criticized Paul when he tried to introduce an amendment of the bill in order to take funds from another part of the budget and not increase the deficit.

"No matter how good the cause is, we should offset the spending, it makes no sense to borrow the money from China," Paul explained.

"What is really disgusting is people like Jon Stewart lie to the American public," he added.

Paul went on to say that people were afraid to call out Jon Stewart's lies because they didn't want to face criticism from a "guttersnipe" like the actor.

He said that critics are lying that the bill was blocked, but that he had merely forced lawmakers to debate how to fund the bill, which will easily pass after his amendment is voted down.

Here's the video of Paul's scathing comments:

"I think I should be commended, and loudly cheered for being one of the few fiscally responsible people up here," concluded Paul.