When was the last time you did not think about getting infected by Covid-19? The answer is not meant to give out a positive affirmation considering the statistics we are coming across regularly. Since the first case of coronavirus filed in Bangladesh in March 2020, there have been 1.51 million cases reported until the just-concluded July of this 2021. The number speaks for itself. The world along with Bangladesh is in a dire situation and as individuals, our health has become our most valued treasure.
In this context, we had an opportunity to talk to Mrs Turin Afrooz, a medical officer at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. When we asked her about the essential vitamins one must take to improve one’s immunity against Covid-19, she had the following to say: “In such situations, vitamins that act as antioxidants are supposed to help. Vitamins like Vitamin A, C and E are very crucial.” Furthermore, when we wanted to know about food items that are to be avoided in this pandemic scenario, she said that there is no such food that is advised to be avoided during Covid-19 times. One is free to eat all the food they love, however, to boost up the immunity and keep oneself healthy, one should avoid eating too much red meat, oily food, curtail consumption of sugar, salt and carbohydrate. Lastly, when we asked her about any superfruit or superfood being available for curing Covid-19, she made the following remark: “There is no such food yet proven to protect against Covid. It is obviously a myth. It has been promoted since Covid started. People spread disinformation about drinking lukewarm water or spiced tea claiming it is a cure for Covid. This is completely wrong. Warm water cannot kill coronavirus. Rather consuming excessive amounts of hot water or liquid might cause damage to the lining of our throat and food pipe.”
Although one needs to be wary of the fact that there is no singular food item that will guarantee protection against this dangerous virus. However, after consulting with the doctor, we came to know about a few food items that may keep one healthy and shielded against coronavirus.
- Body-nourishment foods:
Our bodies have a regeneration cycle that is always ongoing. Our growth and repair is dependent on it. This is where the body-nourishment foods play their role. For example, lean meats like chicken increase muscle mass, help bones stay strong etc. On the other hand, eggs provide Vitamin D, which helps our bodies fight the virus. Along with that, eggs have Omega-3a, which improves our immunity system. Added to that, other than being a significant source of protein, milk has calcium which boosts our internal well-being. Beans and nuts are great too as they have zinc, iron, magnesium, and manganese which are wholesome vitamins that enable a person to stay fit in such challenging times.
- Energy-giving foods:
When a deadly virus is waiting to entrap healthy bodies, it is of utmost necessity that we do not allow ourselves to lose out on our energy tank. Hence, carb and fat-enriched food items are a must. To begin with, foods like maize, wheat, rice and millet provide us with necessary amino acids, enhances nervous system function, increases the health rate of the heart and so on. Moreover, potatoes, yams, cassava and arrowroots have antioxidants that detoxify the body. It has vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Phosphorus that are meant to cater to our needs of immunisation. Covid-19 is a disease that is masking itself in different forms, and we so should do everything in our abilities to avoid energy drainage.
- Protective foods:
For immunisation, nothing beats the platter of protective foods which is inclusive of fruits and vegetables. For example, citrus fruits are pumped with Vitamin C which is a vitamin recommended by renowned medical experts for boosting body wellness. On that note, there are vegetables like broccoli and garlic that have minerals that are great for getting rid of toxins in our bodies. Leafy vegetables like celery, spinach, lettuce are suggested too due to its rich and nutritious background. It should be noted that these will not protect anyone from Covid-19 but, will help your body prepare to fight it or heal from it at a faster pace. Organic food will always get the first priority when it comes to improving one’s health and wellbeing.
Henceforth, we should bring about all the dietary changes we need to stay healthy and protected amid the Covid surge, of course along with following all preventive measures, including mask wearing and social distancing that keep the virus away from us.
