The immune system includes organs, tissues, cells and proteins. Whenever any pathogen, that is bacteria, virus or any thor foreign body. It comes in contact with the body, it responds by carrying out various bodily processes that fight these disease or infection-causing pathogens.
As soon as a pathogen contacts the immune system, it acts as a stimulus which stimulates the production of specific antibodies. These antibodies work against that particular pathogen. These antibodies then attach to the special attachment sites known as antigens on the pathogens.
To strengthen the immune system, our body requires a special diet. The diet which influences this and improves the body's defences. Please note that these foods can only help you in increasing your natural immunity. These foods shouldn't be confused with medical remedies. If you have any symptoms that relate to Covide-19, you should immediately get in touch with an expert. These foods are for the people whom the disease has not yet grappled.
Immunity Boosting Foods
Citrus fruits contain vitamin C which is the most essential vitamin to build up the body's immune system. This is because it increases the production of white blood cells that are the fighter cells of the body. Hence, vitamin C stimulates the production of antibodies. Sources of vitamin C include grapes, oranges, lemons, red peppers, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli etc.
Garlic is used in cooking almost every type of cuisine. It adds a very tempting essence to the dishes. In addition to this, garlic is very essential for your health and immunity. This is because garlic contains sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin which have immunity-boosting properties. It helps in preventing hypertension, as well.
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that helps in neutralising the free radicals in the body. Hence, it supports the body's natural immune response. It is essential for a healthy immune system, especially in elderly people. The sources of vitamin E are almonds, sunflower oil, seeds, spinach, broccoli, peanut butter, hazelnut etc.
Green tea contains flavonoids which are a type of antioxidant. It also contains epigallocatechin gallate which is another powerful antioxidant. Green tea also has amino acids which are essential to produce fighter T-cells in the body. Hence it improves the immunity in every aspect.
Carotenoids are another type of antioxidants. The body converts these into vitamin A after consumption which regulates the immune function by increasing disease-fighting cells in the body. The excellent sources of carotenoids include carrots, apricots, potatoes and green leafy vegetables. Shifting your dietary elements to carotenoid containing foods will help. Make the shift gradually and increase your carotenoid intake.
Dark chocolate contains antioxidant theobromine which boosts the immune system by preventing it from free radicals. When food comes in contact with pollution and it is further broken down into the body after consumption, then free radicals are released which can lead to damage of the body cells. Dark chocolate, therefore, increases immunity by preventing the body from free radicals, against Coronavirus symptoms.
Zinc is an essential mineral for the production of immune cells. Hence, even a mild reduction in the level of zinc in your body can lead to impaired immunity. It helps to immune white blood cells which defend the pathogens or foreign bodies. The best food sources of zinc are oysters, cashews, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, lentils etc.
Turmeric is another spice that almost every Indian household uses. It has already gained a lot of popularity, for its immunity-boosting functions. It improves immunity due to a compound known as curcumin. Due to this, many medicines contain curcumin. You can increase the intake of Turmeric in your diet. Try to add it to your meals as much as you can. Mixing it with milk is a common way of increasing Turmeric intake in the body.
Eating a healthy diet is very important not only to boost your body's immunity but also to remain healthy and for prolonged life. A lot of dietary supplements are also available in the market but you should always consider consuming natural foods in place of supplements. In the case of COVID-19, the majority of the patients who have a strong immune system have recovered completely. Hence, if you eat healthily, there are chances that coronavirus might not be able to cause any harm to you.