Foods that Boost Immunity and Prevent COVID-19

    

    

         More than ever before, maintaining body immunity is important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Well, one of the best ways to keep your body healthy is to adopt a nutritious diet. Eating nutritious food can help the immune system to function optimally. By having a healthy immune system, you can be protected from various diseases, including from the corona virus. Now, while waiting for the corona vaccine to be given, there are several foods that can strengthen the immune system                                                                                                                                                               

1. Yogurt

• During a pandemic, experts and doctors encourage people to wash their hands regularly with soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to ensure hand hygiene. 

• Although hand sanitizers are capable of eliminating germs, they can also remove the good bacteria that are important for building immunity.

• Well, yogurt is a food that contains natural probiotics that can help the formation of good bacteria in the body. Look for yogurt that says "live and active cultures " on the label, such as Greek yogurt. These cultures can stimulate the immune system to help fight disease. 

• Choose unflavored yogurt over flavored, high-sugar yogurt. Hermina's best friend can make plain yogurt to be consumed sweet with fresh fruits and a little honey.

2. Turmeric

• This yellow spice is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This is why turmeric has been used for years to treat inflammatory diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its characteristic color is a very potent agent to help heal wounds and infections. 

• These compounds help reduce muscle damage from exercise. Based on findings from animal studies, curcumin may strengthen the body's immunity and has antiviral properties. However, it still requires more research.

3. Garlic

• Not only can garlic add deliciousness to food, garlic is also a natural antiviral food that can provide protection from seasonal flu. 

• In addition, the high concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin, also makes garlic can help boost immunity.

4. Sour Fruits

• When you have a cold, you may often be advised to increase your consumption of vitamin C. This vitamin helps build your immune system. People who have been infected with C OVID -19 are also sometimes given vitamin C intravenously. Vitamin C can be found in almost all acidic fruits, such as oranges, limes, lemons and grapefruit. 

• However, because the body cannot produce or store it, you need to consume vitamin C every day to maintain a healthy body. The recommended daily amount for adult women is 75 milligrams, and 90 milligrams for adult men.
  

5. Sunflower Seeds

• Sunflower seeds are rich in nutrients, including phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and E. Vitamin E is important in regulating and maintaining immune system function. These nutrients  also work as antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals. 

• Apart from sunflower seeds, other foods that are also rich in vitamin E, namely avocados and dark green leafy vegetables. Sunflower seeds also contain very high selenium. Various studies, mostly conducted on animals, found that these nutrients can fight viral infections, such as swine flu (H1N1).

6. Shells

• Shellfish may not be the food you think of when looking to boost your immune system, as some types of shellfish contain zinc. Although not as popular as other vitamins and minerals, zinc plays an important role in helping immune cells to function as they should. 

• Several types of shellfish that are rich in zinc include oysters, clams, crabs, and lobsters. Zinc can also be found in foods, such as cashews, chickpeas, and others.