Important nutrients you need in your diet to fight coronavirus
The novel Coronavirus was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, countries went into impromptu lockdowns to contain its spread but the number of infections has kept on rising. While the government is doing all they can to contain it but there are some measures we can take as individuals to fight this virus.
The most important step out of those is to maintain basic hygiene, wearing face masks while travelling, washing your hands frequently, keeping sanitizers on yourself, sneezing into a tissue and disposing of it properly, not touching your face without disinfecting your hands. These measures have all become standard for everyone these days. It reduces your risk of infection but doesn't completely take it out of the equation. So if you have been infected, then it's all up to your body's immune system to fight it.
Some pre-existing diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory problems can cause complications in COVID-positive individuals. In the younger generation without underlying diseases, COVID-19 can result in a minor infection, provided you have strong immunity. Plus with age, your immune system gets weak. So, here are some nutrients you can add to your diet to improve your immunity.
Vitamin A
Vitamin-A is important for the development of the immune system. It is necessary for the formation of cells and the overall development of the body.
You get Vitamin A from dairy products, fish oil, green vegetables, fruits, etc.
Vitamin C
Vitamin-C protects the body's immunity while keeping the body cells healthy.
The human body is unable to produce vitamin-C by itself so you have to include it in your diet to get its benefits. It helps in the healing of any wound and regeneration of anti-oxidants. Amla and citrus fruits are a great source of Vitamin C.
Vitamin D
The human body produces vitamin-D internally when the sun's ultraviolet rays fall on the skin. It is essential for the development of bone, absorption of calcium in the body, and strengthening neuromuscular and immune functions.
It also protects the body from inflammation, leading to the overall development of the body.
Vitamin-D can be found in foods like fatty fish, yellow eggs, mushrooms, etc.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It helps protect your cells from damage.
This essential nutrient occurs naturally in many foods but can also be taken as a dietary supplement. It is also present in processed foods. Vitamin E is fat-soluble which means your body stores and uses it as needed.
Zinc
Zinc is needed to keep the immune system healthy. Around 300 enzymes of our body are based on zinc, which means our health is largely dependent on zinc.
It is considered to be very important for mental health and also helps improves the function of neurotransmitters.
Zinc can be obtained from peanuts, garlic, egg yolk, sesame, mushrooms, legumes, oysters, flaxseed, etc.
Magnesium
Magnesium works together with calcium and helps convert blood sugar into energy. It also controls the heartbeat, regulates blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system.
Some magnesium-rich foods are Dark Chocolate, Avocados, Nuts, Legumes, etc.
Its deficiency can lead to insomnia, depression, heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension, etc.
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