Even though we’re still dealing with the pandemic (Co-Vid19), let’s not forget about
the cold and flu season.
And if you want to avoid colds and flu in the next few months, you can do so by
making your immune system stronger.

How does one go about that, you ask?
With Food.

What type of food?
Meat!

Yes meat, pork, chicken and beef, (burgers and steak) contain ample amounts
of zinc and if you’re hoping to stay cold and flu-free, you’ll need plenty of zinc.

Why?
Most colds are caused by a type of virus called rhinovirus, which thrives and multiplies
in the nasal passage and throat (upper respiratory system). It (zinc) works by preventing
the rhinovirus from multiplying. It may also stop the rhinovirus from lodging in the
mucus membranes of the throat and nose.

So, now that you know why the mineral zinc is important, it’s time to reveal some
tasty ways to get more zinc into your system, and one of the ways is with a slow-
cooker.

That’s right, cooking meat low and slow (low temperature and slow cooking for
8 or more hours) is a great way to get a delicious and zinc-rich meal into
your system, and listed below are 4 meals to help you in your quest for
a strong and impenetrable immune system.

Meal No. 1-
A Pulled Pork Sandwich!
You don’t have to be a Southern to enjoy a pulled pork sandwich,
just choose a pork shoulder (a perfect piece of meat for the slow cooker)
and enjoy.
To make:
Combine 3 lbs. boneless pork butt, 1 can of tomato paste, (small can),
1/2 cup of barbecue sauce and 2 Tbs. of brown sugar. Slow-cook for
10 to 12 hours on low. (check the meat at the 10 hour mark) Pull it apart
and place on buns or regular bread.
Enough for 6 servings.

Meal No. 2-
Sunday Evening Stew!
Use chuck roast to make a hearty stew for a cool Saturday or Sunday
dinner.
To make:
Combine 2 to 3 lbs. of cubed beef chuck, 2 cups of beef broth, 2 sliced
carrots, 1 cup of chopped onions, 2 potatoes, (peeled and cut into cubes)
2 cloves of garlic, 1 tsp. of thyme, 1/2 tsp. of salt, 1/4 tsp. of black pepper,
and 1/2 tsp. of turmeric.
Turn the crock pot to low and cook for 8 hours.
Important tip: You may want to add the vegetables an hour or two into cooking,
as they may get mushy if left in for the whole 8 hours.
Enough for 6 servings.

Meal No. 3-
Chicken Thighs Smothered With Mushroom Gravy!
For a meal that’s inexpenisve and still good-for-you, choose chicken thighs.
To make:
Using bone-in, skin on chicken thighs, combine 3 lbs. of thighs, 8 oz. of sliced
mushrooms, 1 cup of chicken stock, 1/2 cup of dry white wine
and 1 tsp. of dried rosemary. Slow-cook on low for 8 hours.
Enough for 6 servings.

Meal No. 4-
Slow-Cooked Short Ribs!
Make this dish for a special sporting event (World Series or the Superbowl)
or for a special occasion, (anniversary or milestone birthday).
Ingredients:
1 Tbs. of Oil
4 lbs. of beef short ribs
3 carrots, cut into 1″ pieces
2 onions, cut through core into wedges
2 cloves of garlic, smashed
2 cups of lower sodium beef broth
1/2 cup + 2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. of chopped fresh rosemary
2 tsp. of fresh oregano
To make:
Season short ribs on both sides with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick
skillet, heat oil over high heat; add the ribs.Cook, flipping once, until browned,
about 5 mins. per side. Transfer to the slow cooker; add the carrots, onions,
garlic, broth, 1/2 cup of vinegar, rosemary and oregano.
Cover; cook on low until beef is very tender, about 8 hours.
Transfer ribs and vegetables to shallow serving bowl; skim and discard
excess fat from sauce. Pour sauce over ribs and vegetables; drizzle with
remaining vinegar.
And one more tip: If you want to make this a barbecued dish, just leave
out the vegetables and vinegar. And replace the beef broth with 1 cup of
beer and add 1 cup of barbecue sauce and 1 Tbs. of whole-grain mustard.
Cook for 8 hours until the ribs are tender.

That’s It, 4 meals to help keep you cold and flu-free this Fall and Winter.

Sources:
* Web M.D.
* Delicious Magazine
* Taste of Home-Slow-Cooker Magazine
* Fix It and Forget It-Magazine
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