Immunity Food-Friends To Fight COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus, as we know, is a deadly one. An optimally functioning immune system is a must to fight such a disease. As you know, the food you consume has a significant impact on your overall health and immunity.

Even though there is no specific diet that helps cure you of the virus, there are some foods that you may incorporate into your diet to build a healthy immune system and, as a result, combat infectious illness.

It may seem like these foods are not going to taste as good, but do not worry!

Here are 8 exciting foods that will boost your immunity and protect you from infections.

1.   Yummy Yoghurt

Yoghurt is packed in vitamins, protein, and lactobacillus, a probiotic (or helpful form of bacteria).

It aids in the battle against illnesses by building your immune system. Consider low-fat or fat-free variants for a healthier alternative that provides advantages without adding calories.

The good bacteria aids in the conversion of organic acids to glucose, decreases cholesterol, while also in the metabolization of nutrients. Furthermore, it breaks down enzymes, proteins, and fibres in food, and aids in the activation of the immune system.

Yoghurt besides eating is a fermented probiotic dairy drink created by inoculating milk with a combination of microorganisms, mostly yeast and bacteria. The molecules in the fermented probiotic drink appear to reduce cytokine storms, which are one of the primary causes of Covid-19 mortality.

2.   Tangy Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a kind of carotene. It has been shown to increase immune function and prevent some types of cancer. Tomatoes are abundant in vitamin C, which acts as an immune booster.

One medium tomato offers little more than 16 milligrammes of vitamin C, a proven fuel for your body’s immune system.

The best part? If you can’t eat it, you juice it! There’s no need for a juicer or blender, but you should filter the seeds and other bits over a sieve.

Tomatoes are also abundant in folate, or vitamin B-9. It lowers your risk of infection. Tomatoes also include tiny amounts of magnesium, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Furthermore, they can be extremely useful to general heart and brain health. Tomatoes are high in potassium and have been linked to reducing blood pressure in the body.

3.   Scrumptious Strawberries

Why would doctors recommend eating more strawberries during this pandemic?

Just like tomatoes,  strawberries are high in vitamin C which are beneficial to your immune system. 

Furthermore, strawberries provide much more than just vitamin C!

All of their micronutrients work together to help prevent and partially treat the COVID disease. Strawberries are abundant in antioxidants, polyphenols, and other nutrients that aid in the strengthening of immunological responses.

Strawberries are a nutritious fruit that also makes an excellent beverage. Since it takes around 4 cups of strawberries to generate one cup of juice, you might just want to include these berries into a smoothie rather than a juice.

Strawberries have been shown to aid in the treatment of many chronic diseases by decreasing LDL cholesterol, carcinogenic activity, blood sugars, and insulin resistance, as well as improving vascular function.

4.   Luscious Lentil Hummus

Yes, that’s right! Lentil Hummus is another great edible to snack on during this troubled time.

While we all want to boost our immune systems in order to stay fit and healthy, it is vital that we boost our protein consumption. Experts believe that high-quality, high-quantity protein is essential for the immune system to function properly.

The simplest way to go about making this is to cook lentils, blanched spinach (beetroot or basil), garlic, cashew, chilly, lime juice, yoghurt, salt, potassium olive oil, tahini, za’atar, and chilli flakes.

It is a key resource for boosting immunity since it aids in the formation of immune system cells. The amino acids present in protein serve as the foundation for all of the body’s cells, including those that power your immune system.

What we understand is, that this dish aids in tissue healing and the fight against viral or bacterial infection.

5.   Amazing Almonds

Almonds, which have been cultivated for 6,000 years, are said to provide a variety of possible health advantages that include cardiovascular health, diabetes, protein quality, and related weight management advantages.

Natural chemicals found in almond skin have been shown to boost the immune system’s response to viral infections, according to researchers.

Almonds are high in 15 minerals such as magnesium, protein, riboflavin, and zinc. They are also high in vitamin E. This acts as an antioxidant and improves pulmonary immune function.

Vitamin E is also recognised to provide protection against viral and bacterial illnesses.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicate 1 ounce of almonds (28 g), or around 23 almond nuts, as the appropriate daily intake.

Almonds are a versatile snack that may be taken at any time of day. You may also combine almonds with your favourite dishes to make a healthy yet delicious snack.

Fun Fact: Natural almond skins were amongst those that provided antiviral protection.

6.    Dreamy Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is one of those crazy nutrition’s oddities!

For years, researchers have been captivated by the bittersweet superfood and not just because it is wonderfully tasty and fulfils your sweet appetite.

Dark chocolate includes higher quantities of flavonoids, which are a type of antioxidant that helps protect our cells from harm and decrease inflammation.

There are scores of scientific studies indicating that this nutrient- and antioxidant-rich delicacy has a plethora of health advantages. The theory that dark chocolate might boost immunity is based on research that shows antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties. 

This is an excellent opportunity to indulge in some chocolate therapy! In fact, nothing beats a mug of creamy, homemade Hot Chocolate made with guilt-free Dark Naked Chocolate – there’s something very delightful about succumbing to some velvety indulgence.

The cocoa in dark chocolate, as well as the phenolic compounds in it, are here to strengthen your immune system and raise your body’s resilience.

7.   Exemplary Eggs

Eggs are a part of a balanced diet.

They are often considered to be one of the healthiest diet alternatives for healthy eating, and they also work as superb immune system boosters. There is a purpose why children are urged to eat eggs from the beginning.

There are several advantages of eating eggs on a daily basis, including a healthy physique, strong nails, hair, and bones. Not to mention how much protein they contain!

How does it help fight the virus? You might be surprised to learn that at many coronavirus quarantine facilities across the world, patients in recovery are given eggs with their regular meals.

Authorities are also supplying eggs to a large number of healthcare personnel and frontline heroes on a regular basis, which is a great step.

A new hashtag challenge, #eggsforimmunity, has also gone viral, with individuals uploading photos of the various ways they eat eggs while discussing the several nutrient-rich advantages.

Despite the widespread belief that eating eggs on a regular basis is bad for your cholesterol, eating eggs on a routine basis is a remedy for your immune system especially to fight COVID-19.

8.   Perfect Papaya

The sweet flavour and smooth texture of papaya are what most enjoy. . Although the seeds are edible, they are more bitter than the fruit itself.

The main aim of this trial time is to stay as fit and healthy as we can while building the immune system. Here’s why papaya is a great food friend.

Papayas are abundant in antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Diets high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Papaya’s high fibre content may reduce the risk of heart disease. Two enzymes present in papaya fruit are papain and chymopapain. Because these enzymes degrade proteins, they can improve digestion while also lowering inflammation.

Eating vitamin C-rich foods, such as papayas, can aid to boost the immune system, allowing the body to fight against bacterial and viral diseases.

This antioxidant is abundant in papaya, making it an excellent addition to an immune-boosting diet that we all must include!

9.   Savoury Shellfish

Who would have thought Shellfish could be an option to boost an immune system right?

It definitely is not the regular food that would pop in our minds during an illness, however, be sure it is filled with nutrients and elements like zinc that help bettering immunity.

Zinc may not get all the attention as other vitamins and minerals, but it is a vital component essential for our immune cells to operate properly.

Some shellfish to try this pandemic are crabs, oysters, mussels and lobsters.

Make sure you consume only the required amount which is 11 mg for adult men and 8 mg for most adult women.

Summing Up

With no foods or dietary supplements to prevent or treat COVID-19 illness, a nutritious diet is yet essential for immune system support.

A good diet can also lower the risk of acquiring other health issues such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. These are all diseases that may aggravate the COVID-19 infection.

Eat Yummy, Eat Right, Win the COVID Fight!