Vitamin C Rich-Foods To Strengthen Your Immune System during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Scientists and researchers are working relentlessly to find a cure and vaccine for the novel coronavirus. Until the time comes, it is our responsibility to keep our health in good condition. For instance, we need to start implementing healthy lifestyle by having enough sleep, regular exercise (do it from the comfort of your home) and eating a balanced diet. Given the importance of eating healthy during this period of the global epidemic, 1 People shares a list of Vitamin C rich foods to include in your grocery list. These foods are essentials to prevent your body from being inflicted to infectious diseases, such as cold, influenza and corona.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapes, lemons and lime are rich in vitamins that build white blood cells when consumed. As you have known from your biology class, good quality and sufficient amount of white blood cells are synonymous with a strong immune system. While the fruits boost your immune system and your endurance to fight common cold and influenza, the fruits are in best use to prevent the illness. If you tend to avoid or simply dislike the citrus fruits, during the COVID-19 pandemic, start adding grapes and oranges to your breakfast diet. Infuse a slice of lemon with warm water to drink in the morning also helps to keep your body well-protected.
Papaya
The South American fruit that grows throughout the year is another option for you to keep your immune system strong during this tough time. Papaya is loaded with antioxidants and rich in vitamin C as well as fibres. This fruit is tasty to be consumed alone but also a perfect compliment for your salad or soup. Perfect to be served as an after-meal dessert. Simply cut Papaya meat into cubes and place them on a plate. If you want to add extra vitamin, squash a fresh lime to get the juice on top it. You can also make Papaya Skewers by cutting the meat into a larger rectangular size and freeze them for at least 1 day.
Berries
Berries are low in calories and extremely nutritious. These small, pulpy and sour fruits are rich in Vitamin C and also have a high significance in culinary. We can see them in our salads, ice cream, yoghurt, pizza and many other types of dishes, although mostly in western culinary. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important than ever to regularly include berries into your diet plan or simply consume them as snacks. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties are needed by your body to fight infection caused by a virus.
Red Bell Peppers
Another Latin fruit that is rich with Vitamin C is Red Bell Peppers. The spicy fruit that we often find on top of our pizza contains a large amount of Vitamin C, which is equivalent to 97% of the Daily Value. In other words, consuming 100 grams of the red bell peppers - by adding it up to your salads, pizza or soup, you supply your body with its daily needs of Vitamin C.
The coronavirus is transmitted through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These microparticles can survive in the air and land on someone else’s face or to surrounding objects. There is a chance for you to breathe in this virus into your lungs if you are nearby or infect your body by touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you have to be out for an essential meeting or trip, wear a mask and always sanitise your hands with anti-bacterial wipes or liquid. In case you have to eat outside, it is better to prepare your own food and eat them using your own cutlery.
This is a tough time but we can get through this together. Stay alert and stay safe.
Much Love,
The 1 People’s Team
