Restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are loosening up and we all want to eat out, socialize with friends and plan recreational activities with our families. But, the fear of catching the infection still lingers. Take the necessary precautions to resume your pre-covid lifestyle with safety and contentment.
In order to keep your environment safe, avoid closed or crowded places, wear a mask and maintain 1-metre distance with others.1 It is important to maintain personal hygiene by keeping your hands clean with either soap or an alcohol-based hand rub and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.1 Experts advise that we should try to enhance our immunity to fight the infections.2
But, how to enhance immunity?
Enhanced immune response during a viral infection is provided by vitamins and minerals.2 Even marginal deficiency of these nutrients can damage the skin and its inner lining making it easier for corona virus to enter the body.2 Additionally, Vitamin C helps in reducing the duration of common cold, swelling in the respiratory (breathing) tract, and effect of the virus.2
Here are some Filipino foods that are high in vitamins and minerals to help you in keeping your family safe.3
Vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium
Nilaga, tinola or ginisang papaya
Fiber, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A
Mongo guisado, chicken tinola
Antioxidant curcumin
Chicken curry with added turmeric
Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, bioflavonoid
Sinigang na salmon
Zinc, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin E
Tapsilog, longsilog, tortang talong
Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin K
Bulalo, add it to stir-fried garlicky tofu
Vitamin C
Add it to chicken afritada, caldereta or chopsuey
Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene
Add it to pinakbet, or shrimp
Amid the spread of the covid-19 infection, take precautions and boost the natural immunity of your body to step towards a healthy life in the “new normal”.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
References
1. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
2. Name JJ, Souza ACR, Vasconcelos AR, Prado PS and Pereira CPM (2020) Zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin C: Perspectives for COVID-19 With a Focus on Physical Tissue Barrier Integrity. Front. Nutr. 7:606398. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2020.606398
3. https://www.themedicalcity.com/news/filipino-foods-boost-immune-system
