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Tea
Illustration: Silja Götz

When the snow starts falling and the sniffles start spreading, you might wonder if small, everyday decisions really make a difference in your health. Turns out, they do. We asked doctors to weigh in on these wintertime quandaries to help you make the right choice, every time.

If you feel a cold coming on, should you drink tea or orange juice?

"There's no question that tea is the better choice. Yes, orange juice has vitamin C, but it may actually suppress your immunity and make you more susceptible to colds because of its high sugar content. According to one study, when you consume 100 grams of carbohydrates in the forms of glucose, fructose, sucrose, orange juice, or honey, you significantly reduce the function of white blood cells that contribute to a healthy immune system. So while it's important to drink lots of fluids, stay away from fruit juices. Plus, hot tea clears the nasal passages. Pour a cup—and get your C from a vitamin."—Michael T. Murray, naturopathic doctor and coauthor of The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine

From the December 2012 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
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