Hot curry laced with fenugreek helps to keep common cold at bay, claimed a leading Indian-origin nutritionist Gurpareet Bains. So the next time you feel that you will catch a cold just rush for hot curry with fenugreek.

Fenugreek that is rich with antiviral properties is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine. It alleviates cold and flu symptoms and also prevents the conditions from starting. During the 3month winter period he carried out a test that involved 20 volunteers. 10 volunteers who had cold and flu symptoms were asked to consume half a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds twice a week in a curry. These cold-afflicted volunteers reported immediate and sustained relief from all symptoms- runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat and tiredness.

Mr. Bains said, "We already know that some foods and spices can help alleviate the symptoms of the cold, but the results of these studies show that fenugreek is significantly more beneficial."