The Coronavirus (Covid-19) has become a real threat to many countries around the world including Nigeria. As more cases spring up daily, it is crucial to take necessary measures to protect yourself against the virus. One of the best ways you can do this is by eating the right foods to boost your immune system. A strong immune system can help your body fight against the coronavirus and any other viruses that comes your way.
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Below are 6 immune-boosting foods you should consider adding to your diet today.
Citrus Fruits
There is a reason why vitamin C is recommended when someone has caught a cold. That is because it helps to build the immune system. It does this by increasing the production of white blood cells needed to fight of infections. The body is not capable of making vitamin C on its own. Therefore, it is important to include vitamin C-rich foods in your daily diet. Eat citrus foods such as grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons, watermelon, and limes among others.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods such as yogurt, pap have been shown to provide the body with health benefits. These foods help build gut microbiome that protect the body from infections. Buy yogurts that have “live and active cultures” printed on the label. Also, look for the ones that do not have any added sugar. You sweeten them yourself by adding natural sweeteners such as healthy fruits or honey.
Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers are one of the richest vitamin C sources. They contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus and are a rich source of beta carotene. The vitamin C they provide to the body does not only help to boost the immune system but also helps to maintain healthy skin.
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Garlic
Garlic is one of the most common herbs in the world. For centuries, it has been a staple of many cuisines around the world and has been used to treat infections. In addition to treating infections, it may help lower blood pressure and slow down the hardening of arteries. Garlic is very effective at boosting the immune system due to the high level of sulfur-containing compounds in it such as allicin.
Green Tea
Known to be the healthiest beverage in the world, green tea is packed with an antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate which has been shown to boost immunity. The tea is also high in L-theanine, an amino acid that aids in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells.
PawPaw
PawPaw is a rich source in a lot of many nutrients especially vitamin C. Eating a single pawpaw provides you with 235 milligrams of vitamin C, which is two to three times more than the recommended amount of vitamin C. PawPaw also contains a digestive enzyme called papain that prevents inflammation in the body.
Sources:
Healthline
Verywellhealth
Featured Image Source: WebMD
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