Although research on foods that help fight COVID-19 has not yet been conducted, it is well known that maintaining a healthy diet improves your immune system and strengthens your body’s ability to fight invasive viruses.
An article published by CNBC Make It describes nine foods approved by experts:
1 Red peppers (or bell peppers)
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a cup of chopped red bell peppers contains about 211% of the daily intake of vitamin C that your body needs. That’s about twice as much as an orange (106%).
2 Broccoli
Just half a cup of broccoli contains 43% of the daily intake of vitamin C, according to the , Broccoli is enriched with phytochemicals and antioxidants that boost our immune systems.
It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help fight bacteria and viruses.
3 Chickpeas
Chickpeas contain a lot of protein, an essential nutrient made of amino acids that helps the growth and repair of body tissues. It is also involved in regulating and maintaining the enzymes that keep our systems working properly, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
4 strawberries
Half a cup of strawberries helps you get 50% of your daily vitamin C requirements. In addition to the above, vitamin C can help protect cells from free radical damage that we are often exposed to in the environment.
5 Garlic
Garlic has been shown to help ward off the common cold. In a 2001 study published in Advances in Therapy, participants who took garlic supplements were less likely to catch colds. And those who caught a cold recovered faster than participants in the placebo group.
6 Mushrooms
In addition to sunbathing, a good place to get vitamin D is mushrooms.
A 2018 study of mushrooms as a source of vitamin D revealed that the “sunshine vitamin” can help improve the absorption of calcium, which is good for bone health, and can also protect against some cancers and respiratory diseases .
7 Spinach
Spinach is rich in vitamin C and packed with antioxidants that help protect our immune cells from environmental damage
In addition, it has beta carotene, which is the main dietary source of vitamin A, an essential component of proper immune function.
8 Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which are good bacteria that can help keep your gut and immune system healthy,
Other studies have found that probiotics are effective in fighting the common cold and flu-like respiratory infections.
Choosing plain yogurt over overly flavored or sweetened yogurt. Those on a dairy-free diet can benefit from yogurt options with almond milk and coconut milk.
9 Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, which works as an antioxidant and helps support the immune system.
