Somewhere in my past, I picked up the notion that red wine would make a stuffy nose stuffier, so all week when Len and I had meals, I drank water.
Two days ago, I decided to check the data, and to my surprise, here’s what I found:
Red Wine:
Red wine actually helps fight a fight a cold. (Am I the only one that didn’t know this?) Antioxidants contained in red wine, resveratrol and polyphenols, can prevent cold and flu viruses from multiplying once they’ve entered your system.
Interestingly, a few Italian friends suggested this “before going to bed” remedy:
Boil a cup of red wine, (thus deleting the alcohol), add a few red pepper flakes (optional), drink down and in the morning, the cold will be gone.
Len says this is what he plans to do if he catches my cold.
Dark Chocolate:
Dark chocolate (70% or higher cocoa content) is loaded with zinc and like red wine, contains a lot of antioxidants which help fight a cold. While it is advised to not overindulge, small daily portions can help boost the immune system.
So there you have it, two over-the-counter remedies to consider adding to your shopping list should the cold bug strike. But then, why wait for a cold!
And no, the wine doesn’t need to be a Brunello, but when it Italy, why not?
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Sounds good! Interesting with the addition of the peperoncino to the wine. I’ve found that the spicy pepper does a wonderful job clearing stuffed nasal passages.
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That’s what I am told!
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Red wine and dark chocolate. That has been our regular evening tradition.
Taken strictly for our health of course!
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Yes, mine too, especially now when I do have a cold!
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Hi Judy! Wish I had some of that Brunello right now! We arrived safely in London- had a bite and took a walk around Buckingham- it is now 2:30 am here so we’re going to bed !! All well – miss you ! Love me xoxox
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks for the update. We’ll share some Brunello soon. Enjoy! xox
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Thank you for the medical update
I will begin therapy immediately
Is this considered an office call?
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Yes, but an office call on the house. Keep up the therapy!
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Love your ideas to keep up “la dolce vita” tradition even with a cold in Italy!
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Grazie – not a moment to waste!
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I am very happy for you that you made it back to Italy.
I am sorry to report that Andrea didn’t have time to take me to Hungary.
Love, Magda
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