At a time when the number of coronavirus cases is rising like never before and with no cure or vaccine in sight, the best we can do is to increase our body’s defences against the disease. A proper diet along with regular exercise routine is very important to fight the disease.
It is also important to get rid of wrong eating habits and lifestyles as they are the biggest hindrance in building strong immunity. The only way to restore and revive your immune system is by going natural. In order to boost immunity, one must add fruits and veggies to diet. This will give your body the right dose of proteins and vitamins.
Vitamins that help in boosting immunity:
Vitamin A is an anti-inflammatory vitamin and plays a critical role in enhancing immunity. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A which when ingested is converted in the wall of the small intestine to vitamin A.
Sources – sweet potatoes, carrots, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, dark green leafy veg, pumpkins, mangoes, asparagus, drumstick leaves.
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in supporting biochemical reactions of the immune system.
Sources: fish, poultry, chickpeas, nuts, dark green leafy veg, bananas, papayas.
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient in the formation of healthy red blood cells and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 along with folic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Sources: fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.
Vitamin C is the most powerful antioxidant known to boost immunity. It also helps in the regeneration of Vitamin E.
Sources: Indian gooseberry (amla), guava, orange, lemon, sweet lime, bell peppers, berries, red amaranth leaves, cashew fruit, strawberry, kiwi, broccoli, etc.
Vitamin D is essential to immune function and helps regulate the body’s immune response. You can get your dose of Vit D by standing in sunlight either on your terrace or balcony without sunscreen during the day preferably between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. If your levels of Vit D are low, consult your physician who may suggest a Vit D supplement.
Sources: Egg Yolk, cod liver oil, mushrooms, sardines, fatty fish.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in regulating and supporting immune system function. It prevents oxidation of Beta Carotene and Vit A in the intestine.
Sources: nuts such as almonds, pistachios, seeds like flax seeds, sunflower seeds, garden cress seeds.