Bmj British Medical Journal
Editor's Choice
Covid-19: What we eat matters all the more now
BMJ 2020; 370 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m2840 (Published 16 July 2020)
Cite this as: BMJ 2020;370:m2840
Rapid response
Re: Covid-19: What we eat matters all the more now
Dear Editor
Indian Food Helps to Beat COVID-19
Indian food ingredients are very much helpful, during this COVID-19 Pandemic
Vitamin C and Zinc-rich food play an important role in boosting the immunity and can help to prevent infections like COVID-19.
Vitamin C rich food helps to stimulate the formation of antibodies. Citrus fruits, strawberries, red bell pepper and kiwi are all rich in vitamin C, which may help to fight COVID-19.
There are many zinc-dependent enzymes in our body and deficiency has been linked with immune dysfunction. Zinc-rich foods include beans, seeds, nuts, meat, poultry and seafood, which can help to beat COVID-19.
Intake of low carb diets is useful. A low carb diet will help slow down diabetes and focus on a protein-rich diet to keep you in good shape. And regularly consume vegetables and fruits rich in Beta carotene, Ascorbic acid & other essential vitamins. Certain foods like mushrooms, tomato, bell pepper and green vegetables like broccoli, spinach are also good options to build resilience in the body against infections including COVID-19.
Some natural immunity supplements in Indian food items including ginger, gooseberries (amla) and turmeric can also help during this COVID-19 Pandemic.
There are several herbs that can help in boosting immunity like garlic, basil leaves and black cumin. Certain seeds and nuts like sunflower seeds, flax seed, pumpkin seeds and melon seeds as excellent sources of protein and vitamin E are also very much useful.
Probiotics like Yoghurt, Yakult and fermented food are also excellent sources to rejuvenate the composition of gut bacteria, which is important for nutrient absorption by the body.
Intake of immunity boosting food along with social distancing and self hygiene are important to beat and break and COVID-19 infection.
Competing interests: No competing interests
18 July 2020
M.A. Aleem
Emeritus Professor of Neurology * Visiting Specialist in Neurology ** Consultant Neurologist ***
The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University * Dhanalakshami Srinivasan Medical College ** ABC Hospital ***
Chennai 600032* Perambalure 621212** Trichy 620018*** Tamilnadu India
@drmaaleem
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