Just eating garlic will not protect us against coronavirus infection, but doctors emphasize that in the time of a pandemic, a he althy diet - apart from getting enough sleep and exercising outdoors - is key to maintaining immunity. So what to eat to avoid COVID-19?
What to eat so as not to get sick with COVID-19?- this question is asked by many people nowadays, especially since we do not yet have a vaccine that could protect us from infection. The only hope is to strengthen our immune system, which can deal with the SARS CoV-2 coronavirus on its own or make the COVID-19 transition smoothly.
So what to eat? There is a list of products that each of us should have at home in the fall and winter season. It is worth consuming them regularly to protect yourself from a viral infection, not only that caused by the coronavirus.
What to eat to avoid COVID-19?
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Garlic
Garlic is known as a natural antibiotic that inhibits the multiplication of bacteria and the development of viral infections. It owes it to the content, among others :
- flavonoid compounds,
- saponins,
- B vitamins (B1, B2, PP, vitamin C, provitamins A),
- numerous mineral s alts (including potassium, calcium, magnesium),
- rare micronutrients (including cob alt, chromium and nickel).
However, the most valuable ingredients in garlic are its sulfide-rich essential oils andallicin , which has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is thanks to her that garlic has a characteristic pungent smell. The same ingredient can be found in onion, which is also invaluable in the fight against viruses.
As research shows, it is enough to eat one clove of garlic a day to get sick less often. It's important to do this regularly. The he althiest israw garlic , but many medicinal properties are also retained by garlic-based preparations, such as tablets or oil macerate.
- Black garlic - superfood
- Pickled garlic - antibiotic and probiotic in one
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Ginger
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory substances, which is why it supports our immune system in the fight against seasonal infections. Moreover, it perfectly warms up and stimulates blood circulationblood, has anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties, therefore it will also work well during ongoing infections.
Ginger can be drunk as tea or added to dishes.
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Turmeric
Turmeric is considered a superfood. It can be added to pasta, meat dishes or eaten as a tea with turmeric. It is most beneficial to eat it during autumn and winter illnesses, as it warms up the whole body and has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric owes its properties to the content ofcurcumin- a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals, as well as increases the level of cathelicidin (CAMP) - a peptide that helps prevent bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
To enhance the effects of curcumin, add piperine, which is present in black pepper and paprika, to it.
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Pickles
In the period of increased disease, all kinds of silage are also highly recommended, which are the best source of vitamin C and probiotics, i.e. beneficial bacteria. These are lactic acid bacteria that are formed during the fermentation process. They have a very positive effect on our bacterial flora, while protecting us against various types of infections. That is why pickled cucumbers, sauerkraut or other types of pickles should be a permanent part of our menu, not only in autumn and winter.
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Vegetables rich in vitamins C, B6, E and A
Vitamin C stimulates the production of interferon, which helps to effectively deal with germs attacking our body. Our immune system is also supported by vitamins B6 and E, while vitamin A stimulates the production of white blood cells responsible for fighting microbes.
Vitamin C sources:
- parsley
- pepper
- citrus
- broccoli
- currants
- spinach
Vitamin B6 sources:
- bananas
- avocado
- fish
- poultry
- beef
- potatoes
Vitamin E sources:
- peanuts
- sunflower seeds
- spinach
- vegetable oils
- fish
Vitamin A sources:
- butter
- liver
- milk
- cheese
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Good fats
Our body will also be supported by fatty acids of plant origin (including omega-3 acids), which provide the body with building blocks for the production ofanti-inflammatory hormonesimproving the immune system. DownThe he althiest vegetable fats are rapeseed oil and olive oil, while the most omega-3 fatty acids can be found in sea fish, walnuts and linseed.
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Bee products
We should use the he alth-promoting properties of honey and other bee products all year round. They provide a lot of vitamins and microelements, as well as valuable enzymes that mobilize our immune system to fight. In autumn, it is worth drinking water with honey and lemon juice, but remember that the water is not too hot. In addition to honey, experts also recommend consuming pollen, bee bee and propolis.