When illness strikes, many people turn to the medicine cabinet, but food can also provide essential comfort. Local sous chefs have shared the specific dishes they rely on to feel better when they are under the weather.

What are the best comfort foods for a cold?

Professional cooks often lean on nostalgic or hearty meals to boost their spirits during sickness. For Zachary Mccutchen of Sugo On Surrey in Guelph, childhood memories play a role in his recovery. He recalls his grandmother making roasted red pepper soup paired with a Swiss grilled cheese.

Currently, Mccutchen prefers more substantial options, such as:

  • A grilled cheese featuring smoked gouda, garlic aioli, and caramelized onions.
  • An Oklahoma smashburger with onions pressed into the patty.
  • The Burger from Arabella Park in Kitchener.

Another professional, Daniel Kuczynski of Charcoal Steakhouse, finds comfort in Barszcz. This chunky, red beet soup is similar to Ukrainian borscht and serves as a go-to meal for him during a cold.

How can nutrition support the body?

While comfort foods provide emotional relief, certain nutrients are known to assist the body. Nutritionists suggest that zinc, found in foods like cheddar cheese and pumpkin seeds, may help the immune system combat germs. Vitamin C from bell peppers and oranges is also frequently recommended to reduce the duration of symptoms.

For those experiencing gastrointestinal issues, experts suggest sticking to bland, low-fiber starches. Common recommendations include:

  • Plain noodles and rice
  • Toast and crackers
  • Bananas and applesauce
  • Broth and potatoes

Traditional and medicinal approaches

In some cultures, specific ingredients are used for their perceived medicinal properties. For example, perilla leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat colds caused by wind and cold, which can manifest as chills, nasal congestion, or a mild cough. One method of consumption is perilla leaf porridge, made by simmering rice with ginger, scallions, and the leaves.

FAQ

What is Barszcz?

Barszcz is a chunky, red beet soup that is similar to Ukrainian borscht.

Which foods are good for stomach issues?

Bland meals such as toast, rice, bananas, and plain noodles are suggested for gastrointestinal distress.