By Li Fenghua (Beijing Today)
Updated: 2008-03-26 11:01

**Flu Fighter 4: Sweet

Potatoes

The beta carotene in sweet potatoes makes the tuber an immune system booster.

Tips: For a quick sweet-potato side dish, pop one in the oven whole or thinly slice, season and bake for a healthy bowl of chips. Look for potatoes with darker flesh, which have higher beta-carotene content.

**Flu Fighter 5: Oats

Full of fiber, oats contain vitamins E and B, a number of minerals and immune system-boosting beta-glucans. They have been used to address everything from stomach discomfort and digestive ailments to cholesterol.

Tips: To up your intake, you can sneak oats into your meatloaf or meatballs or use them in chicken breading.

**Flu Fighter 6: Honey

Full of antioxidants, honey has long been used to help treat sore throats and other bacterial infections. It also can assist in the growth of friendly bacteria and improve digestive health. Some research has shown that it may help fight cancer.

Tips: Sneak more honey in your diet by using it to replace sugar in the coffee. Honey bottles are available in most supermarkets.

**Flu Fighter 7: Ginger

Ginger contains gingerol, a natural plant compound that can help fight off infection. Put a 2-centimeter chunk of the spicy root into a cup of boiling water to make ginger tea, or make fresh ginger vinaigrette to top raw or cooked vegetables.

Tips: Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger and 1 teaspoon sugar.

**Flu Fighter 8: Chicken Soup

A research study found that chicken soup has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which may help relieve colds and flu by decreasing mucus production, as well as throat swelling and irritation. Make your next batch of soup with similar ingredients to the ones in the recipe from the study: chicken, onion, sweet potato, turnips, parsnips, carrots, celery and parsley.

Recommendation: Chicken Soup in Caixianggen Main Restaurant

Where: 9, Yuetan Nan Lu, Xicheng District

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