LETTERS: During the Covid-19 pandemic a healthy diet is critical. Our body's ability to prevent, fight and recover from infections is influenced by what we eat and drink.
A healthy diet, in addition to food or dietary supplements, is vital for maintaining the immune system. Plant-based food can enhance the immunity of all age groups to fight Covid-19.
Plant-based food increases beneficial intestinal bacteria, which make up 85 per cent of the immune system.
Our body cannot produce or store Vitamin C, which is water-soluble. We need to replenish our supply of vitamin C every day by consuming fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin C is healthy for the skin, has anti-ageing properties and helps keep blood sugar levels in check. More importantly, it protects us from air pollution.
Research showed that polluted air was connected to 11 per cent of increase in the Covid-19 mortality rate. Coronavirus-related fatalities comprised 15 per cent of total deaths.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helps patients who are in severe and life-threatening conditions. It is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant and free radical scavenger that regulates endogenous catecholamines.
It promotes the growth and proliferation of lymphocytes, a type of immune cell that increases antibody circulation, and proteins that can attack foreign substances in the blood.
The best vegetarian wellsprings of Vitamin C are citrus organic produce such as papaya, pineapple, melon, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, kiwi and mango.
Vitamin C is vital for our immunity. Supplementing this nutrient may reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold.
It is essential to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet and avoid processed junk food to maintain overall health and boost immunological functioning. So eat a balanced and healthy diet, sleep well, exercise regularly and follow the Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
Vinothini Kunalan
Biotechnology student, AIMST University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times