Coronavirus – How to Fight COVID-19 with these Immunity-Boosting Foods

In this age of worldwide crisis due to novel coronavirus COVID-19, scientists continue working on vaccines to fully prevent the disease caused by a coronavirus. Coronavirus disease COVID can cause illnesses such as common cold, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), pneumonia, kidney failure, and more.

This life-threatening coronavirus is contagious and can spread from person to person by respiratory droplets released when the infected person coughs and sneezes. Many people are asking what preventive measures they can do to protect themselves. The best thing you can do to prevent infection spread is to take very good care of yourself and eat healthy foods to keep our immune system healthy.

How to Prevent the Coronavirus Infection

Regular hand washing, covering your mouth and nose with tissues while sneezing and coughing can prevent infection. Make sure to throw the tissue paper immediately after use. Don’t touch your face unnecessarily in public places and gatherings. Clean high-contact surfaces such as doors, handles, and switches. Change your clothes once you get home. Avoid eating the raw and undercooked meat. It is also advised to avoid close contact with those who have symptoms of respiratory illnesses. Keep in mind that coronavirus can survive from 24 hours to 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel. Therefore, it is suggested to sanitize every item you bring into your home.

The symptoms of coronavirus include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and difficulty in breathing. These symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. The infected person might feel tiredness, aches, runny nose and sore throat.

Common Symptoms of COVID-19, Flu, Cold, and Hay Fever

When it comes to fighting against coronavirus, maintaining good hygiene, and practicing social distancing can avoid spreading. However, eating immune-boosting and nutrient-dense foods can prepare your body to fight off this deadly virus. People with weaker immunity are more prone to fatal coronavirus and other pandemics. So, support your body’s natural defense mechanism and make your immunity stronger by eating healthy foods.

Here is the list of vitamin and mineral-packed foods that can improve the natural defense system of your body. Adding these immune-boosting foods to your diet can help protect you from COVID-19.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin that has incredible immune-boosting properties. It can help people fight against the pandemic coronavirus. This super nutrient is present in apples, carrots, grapefruits, oranges, spinach, kale, broccoli, strawberries, and bell peppers. These vitamin-C packed foods can ward off the symptoms of the common cold. Besides improving immune health, vitamin C can also play an essential role in performing other body functions and important for overall health.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is an important nutrient that supports various biochemical reactions in the immune system. This vitamin is responsible for performing more than 150 enzyme reactions, which help your body to synthesize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. B6 has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and infection-fighting properties. It is important to increase your daily supply of B6, as its deficiency can decrease the production of white blood cells that are responsible for regulating immune function and fight against viruses and ward off diseases. Milk, ricotta cheese, salmon, tuna, chicken liver, turkey, beef, wholegrain cereals, oatmeal, brown rice, eggs, soya beans, carrots, spinach, sweet potato, green peas, banana, avocado are the great sources of vitamin B6.

Vitamin E  

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that has the incredible property to fight against infections. This vital nutrient has antioxidant properties that can protect cell damage and prevent and treat many life-threatening diseases. Many studies suggest that taking a healthy dose of vitamin C can decrease your chances of developing cancer, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other serious health problems. Thanks to nature, there are many foods that can provide you sufficient vitamin E. Green leafy vegetables, eggs, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are some great sources of vitamin E that you can add to your daily diet plan.

Garlic

From improving immune function to preventing cold and flu, garlic is famous for offering a myriad of health benefits. It can help the immune system to fight against viruses and bacteria. Garlic contains an important compound allicin, which possesses miraculous medicinal properties and can boost the disease-fighting response of white blood cells. It will help your body to fight against different viruses that can cause common cold and flu. If you are experiencing symptoms of cold and flu, start eating garlic immediately as it can greatly reduce the severity of symptoms and help you recover fast.

Ginger

The miraculous herb has impressive antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help fight the symptoms of cold and flu. Several studies also suggest that ginger can combat fever and chills. The potent antioxidant can naturally boost your immunity by providing super-nutrients, including zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron. Ginger is also known for preventing nausea and soothing upset stomach.

Turmeric

The bright yellow-orange spice contains therapeutic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It can boost your immune system in the cold and flu season. To enhance its medicinal effect, combine a pinch of turmeric, a pinch of turmeric, and a pinch of ginger and 1 tsp of honey. This drink can give your immunity a boost and help your fight against the symptoms of cold and flu. It helps the body to cleanse the respiratory tract, relieve congestion of nose due to cold, cough, bronchial inflammation, and shortness of breath. Besides boosting immunity, reducing symptoms of cold and flu, providing relief from congestion, it can also ward off viral replication. 

Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral that can keep your immune system healthier. It is an effective natural remedy for the common cold. Many studies have shown that zinc lozenges can significantly reduce the duration of cold and upper respiratory tract infections. Besides fighting against viral infections, it can also heal wounds. You can get a healthy dose of zinc from foods, including red meat, poultry, oysters, whole grains, beans, nuts, and cereals.

Almonds

Almonds are a great source of vitamin E that has antioxidant properties that can boost your immune system. It is loaded in protein, fiber, iron, and zinc that can significantly prevent and treat the common cold. Add this food to your diet that can serve as a healthy snack and essential for your immune system.

Avocado

This nutrient-dense food is loaded with vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, vitamin B5, and iron. This high-nutrient food also contains iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, copper, and magnesium. Avocados are a great source of glutathione, which is an excellent antioxidant that can enhance your immune system.

Papaya

Papaya is a healthy fruit that is packed with vitamin C, vitamin B, folate, potassium, and other essential ingredients. The high amount of vitamin C can strengthen your immunity. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and good for your overall health.

Yogurt

Yogurt can stimulate your immune system and increase your body’s ability to fight against diseases. It is a healthy snack that is a great source of vitamin D that can improve your natural defense system.

Spinach

Spinach is rich in vitamin C and other numerous antioxidants that have infection-fighting properties. The high nutrient profile of spinach makes it one of the best immune-boosting foods that can improve your overall health.

Broccoli

This healthy vegetable is loaded with essential minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and other vital ingredients. This super healthy food contains vitamin A, C, and E that can supercharge your immunity.  

Kale

This cruciferous vegetable is rich in nutrients, including vitamin A, C, E, iron, and zinc that play an essential role in improving your immune health.

Red Bell Pepper

It is loaded with vitamin C that has immune-boosting properties and supports your body’s natural defense system. You won’t believe that bell peppers are more abundant in vitamin C than citrus fruits, which play a vital role in fighting against viral infections. Incorporate bell peppers to your diet as your body can’t produce a sufficient amount of vitamin C needed by your body to fight against infectious diseases.

Over to You

In today’s age of coronavirus pandemic, you can stay healthy and safe by improving your immune system, practicing social distancing, and thorough hand washing and avoiding unnecessary touching your hands to your face. Eating healthy foods is a great way to protect you and your family from cold, flu, coronavirus, and other fatal illnesses.