Food helps immune system against corona virus  

With the 14^th reported case of the novel corona virus being detected in Nepal, we now know that this global health emergency has hit our country. And while different people are saying about its symptoms and precautions that should be taken, various foods and their consumption is also being discussed at length.

According to the World Health Organisation, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARSCoV). This novel corona virus which is most likely believed to be originated from bat is a new strain of virus which have not been previously identified in any humans.

According to the South Morning China Post, in Nov. 17, 2019, a 55 year old individual from Wuhan, China may have been the first person to have contracted COVID-19 and since then it started spreading world wide.

On 24 January 2020, its first case was confirmed in Kathmandu. At todays date Nepal has confirmed 14 cases among them 13 of them are active while 1 have recovered successfully.

It is said that people with weak immune system are most likely to get corona virus. So it is our foremost duty to boost our immune system. Apart from various methods for boosting it one is food, basic need of humans. Discussing about various food, we should know about the following things regarding food in such pandemic situation.

1. What type of food should we eat?

We must definitely focus for balanced and healthy food. Food containing all the nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins & minerals in right amount to sustain a healthy body are balanced food. Healthy food and healthy eating habit provides adequate nutrition which helps to boost our immune system and also ensures our immune system are properly functioning.

2. What are immune boosting nutrients?

The immune system consists of organs, cells, tissues, and proteins. Together, these carry out bodily processes that fight off pathogens.Therefore to strengthen our immunity we must try to boost them. There are many nutrient that can boost our immune system. However vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are the main ones.

3. What are the different food source from which we can get different nutrients?

• Carrots, sweet potatoes for beta carotene:

Beta carotene gets converted to vitamin A, which is essential for a strong immune system. It works by helping antibodies respond to toxins and foreign substances.

• Oranges, strawberries and broccoli for Vitamin C:

Vitamin C increases blood levels of antibodies and helps to differentiate lymphocytes (white blood cells), which helps the body determine what kind of protection is needed.

• Eggs, cheese, tofu and mushrooms for Vitamin D:

Vitamin D regulates the production of a protein that selectively kills infectious agents, including bacteria and viruses.

• Ginger, garlic for antiviral property:

Ginger consistof special compound gingerols and zingerone,have been found to inhibit viral replication and prevent viruses from entering host cells. Similarly Garlic consist of organosulphur compound which stimulates protective immune cells, which prevent viral infections.

• Beans, nuts, cereal for zinc:

Zinc helps cells in your immune system grow and differentiate.

• Milk, eggs, nuts and more for protein:

Protein is a key building block for immune cells and antibodies and plays a crucial role in helping our immune system do its job.

• Bananas, beans and more for prebiotics:

Probiotics and prebiotics help boost the health of the microbiome, which in turn supports our immune system.

• Water, fruit, soup and more for hydration:

Mild dehydration can be a physical stressor to the body. Women should aim to consume 2.7 litres and men should aim to consume 3.7 litres.

The Coronavirus  is affecting 210 countries and territories around the world with Total cases of 1,853,39Deaths114,253 & Recovered 423,708. In the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, for maintaining our health, eating healthy food is an important part. Our immunity can be boosted by nutritious diet which even help us to fight against the symptoms. So let us all be prepared for the upcoming days to fight against COVID-19 just by gaining nutrients through healthy foods.

Akash swarnakar

(B.tech food)

Sunsari Technical College

Dharan-1, Sunsari, Nepal