" "No food" in itself can prevent you from being infected with Corona Virus"...Abioye Oladipupo
As a food professional for about 10 years and a practicing nutritionist for over 8 years, I am obliged to make my submission on how nutrition and foods can be helpful during this COVID 19 pandemic that has left the entire world in devastation.
Let me quickly point out that "No food" in itself can prevent you from being infected with Corona Virus.
False and scientifically unproven information have been circulating as regards how certain food items can play preventive or curative roles. This is untrue. What is valid is that foods can be deployed in the management of this infection.
So, you can stay prepared, live a more healthy life and
boost your immunity using nutrition during this difficult time.
How?
It is no longer news that this virus attacks older citizens more aggressively. Other vulnerable populations; including pregnant women and lactating mothers (due to increasing pregnancy and breastfeeding nutritional requirement), immunocompromised individuals(HIV and tuberculosis patient, etc) and infants are not left behind. Even as a young adult with failing immunity, you become more vulnerable.
Therefore, we all must consider improving our immune system as a way to keep ourselves safe and healthy. An improved immune system generally reduces the chances that the virus dominates one's system.
So which foods can play key roles?
Firstly, asides from consuming a nutritious and safe balanced diet on a daily basis, hydrating yourselves with mineral and vitamin containing fruits such as watermelon and cucumber can be helpful. They contain important phytochemicals required for improving immunity
Secondly, a collection of ginger, garlic, and onion have been described as superfoods. The reason is because of bioactive compounds such as organic sulphide, phenolic compounds and allinin (garlic) that have been reported to have antibacterial and antioxidative effects. This is not the time to start consuming excessive quantities of onion bulbs or garlic cloves. There are toxicity levels. Include them in your meals in moderation. Trust me they are more than enough to do their magic for your immunity. Additionally, there is no scientific proof that says placing these foods in the corner of your rooms or apartments prevent viral infections such as Corona. Be informed.
Thirdly, you should consider preparing your own meals at home and not eat from the restaurant during this crisis. Many European countries have shut down their food service outlets but in Africa, restaurants, and bukateria remain opened. You will agree with me that the food safety procedure in many of these outlets is nothing to write about. Food poisoning is on the rise in many developing nations including Nigeria due to "out of home" food preparation. Many of which are undocumented. This may compromise your immunity. Cooking from home gives you the opportunity to know all the ingredients that go into your meal and to ensure safe food production.
Fourthly, consume food high in antioxidants. Oranges, apples, and berries will be easily accessible. But you must also reduce to the barest minimum the consumption of foods or meals that promote inflammation that contributes to body cell damage and by extension lowers immunity. Example includes but not limited to fried foods( oils used repeatedly in meal preparation increase free fatty acids production that may be detrimental to your health), highly processed and sugary foods.
Lastly, the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) remain the number one preventive measures you must adhere to. These include social distancing, personal hygiene, self-isolation, and the use of alcohol-based sanitizers.
if we must eliminate this virus our effort has to be collective.
Stay Safe and be protected.
Abioye Oladipupo
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