Practicing social distancing and hygiene has been found to be the best way to fight the COVID-19 pandemic that has been spreading around the globe. But, what if you contract the disease? Is your body strong enough to fight it? You ought to know that a strong immunity will help prevent the impact of diseases like COVID-19 on your body. Well, the best way that you can boost your immunity is to start taking a diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Let us look at some essential immunity-boosting foods that your family needs right now.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. They help boost immunity by increasing the production of white blood cells responsible for fighting infection in the body. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 75mg for women and 90 mg for men. Luckily, there are many fruits that are rich in Vitamin C that you can add to your diet. A medium-sized orange, for example can give you up to 116 percent of the recommended daily intake. Other than oranges, you can add lemons, tangerine, limes, grapefruit, clementine, and the likes to your diet, especially for young kids and the elderly in your family.
Fermented foods
You also need some healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to improve your immunity. Fermented foods have probiotics that are essentially friendly bacteria. They help restore friendly bacteria in your gastrointestinal system to prevent digestive problems and the entry of bad bacteria into the body system. Probiotics are also good at boosting the immune system reducing the risk of infection with diseases like the cold. Vitamin C, zinc, and iron in fermented foods also do contribute to a stronger immune system. It is the best time to incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, and sauerkraut into your family diet.
Dark green leafy vegetables
Dark-green leafy vegetables are one of the best sources of vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids. Carotenoids are elements in plants that act as antioxidants which can boost the immunity of your body by fighting free radicals in your system. If you get infected with diseases like Covid-19, then it can help reduce inflammation in the body, which could prevent you from getting critically ill. The vitamins and minerals replenish the blood and help in fighting off of infections. Some of the dark green leafy vegetables you can incorporate in your diet include the likes of spinach, broccoli, Swiss chard, and spinach, etc.
You need to shop more vegetables right now and be on the lookout for deals and offers that can help you save some bucks. You can check the Shoppers Drug Mart flyer for discounts on vegetables. The weekly flyer will have a catalogue of offers on items from the store, including the immune-boosting food your family needs. Coupons are also a great way to save on your shopping in such tough economic times.
Garlic
Garlic is another excellent immune booster you can add to your diet. It has a high concentration of substances like allicins, flavonoids, and selenium that have antioxidative properties. According to studies, taking garlic helps people with flu and cold symptoms fight the symptoms faster.
Ginger
It is also time to add ginger in your dish, tea, or snacks. Ginger will help boost your immunity due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties it is known for. It also has natural blood-thinning properties that improve blood flow through your vessels smoothly and prevent the formation of clots. Gingerol, a compound in ginger, has anti-inflammatory that can help your body fight diseases.
Yellow fruits
How often do you take yellow fruits and vegetables other than oranges? There are other great options like carrots, papayas, and mangoes, that are rich in vitamins and phytonutrients like bioflavonoids and carotenoids. These nutrients act as antioxidants plus, they boost the body's immune system.
Wrap up
As you keep a social distance and frequently wash your hands, it is also essential to incorporate immune-boosting foods into your diet. You need to check what you eat to help you stay strong and safe!
