I never get colds—something of which I’m irrationally proud. But I had a doozy two weeks ago, accompanied by fever and a complete lack of energy. This bug has been going around, and it finally caught up with me.

But mushrooms may be the latest organic food to offer some protection during cold and flu season, according to Chef Colin Roche, chair of the culinary arts department at the North Miami campus of Johnson & Wales University.

“During the height of cold and flu season, Americans are seeking ways to ward off the sniffles,” he says. “Certain foods can boost your immune system and help alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Eat more mushrooms—particularly the Oriental varieties such as shiitake. Mushrooms contain special compounds that have been found to bolster the immune system. Mushroom soup would be an excellent choice because it is not only a hot liquid (which warms the throat and impairs viral replication), but one with the ability to boost your body's immune response.”

Mushroom Recipes from Organic Authority
Organic Mushroom Bisque
Latin Tomato and Huitlacoche Soup
Roasted Organic Wild Mushrooms on Pita Toasts
Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle Organic Risotto
Organic Mushroom Salsa
Wild Mushroom, Winter Root, Chicken Pot Pie