Wouldn’t it be great if there was a food we could eat to fight or prevent COVID? Nothing has been scientifically proven to do that so far, but the World Health Organization (WHO) does recommend some healthy eating habits to add to our daily routine to keep us healthy and strong. They’re all related to strengthening and maintaining a healthy immune system, which is key to fighting off any virus, including COVID. This is what they say we should be eating:
- Always include fruits and veggies on your plate - The WHO explains that a healthy immune system is sustained by eating many different nutrients and an easy way to get a variety of vitamins and minerals is with vegetables and fruits. Go for stuff high in vitamin C, like citrus and greens, orange root veggies for beta-carotene, berries for antioxidants and avocado for vitamin E. And taking a multivitamin may seem like an easier fix, but research shows the body absorbs the nutrients more effectively from whole food sources.
- Add whole grains and legumes - Your body needs these sources of complex carbs for a balanced diet. Swapping refined grains like white bread and pasta for whole grains is better for your gut health and immune system. And legumes, including beans, chickpeas and lentils, are high in protein, too.
- Snack on nuts - They’re a great source of the antioxidant vitamin E and nut butters are as well.
- Add animal-sourced foods - Some micronutrients, like vitamin A, vitamin B-12 and iron, are tougher to get from plant source foods alone. The best animal-sourced foods to add to your healthy diet include dairy products, eggs and fish rich in omega-3s, like salmon.
- Eat whole foods and keep your diet diverse - The more colorful your plate is with a variety of whole foods, the better it is for you. It’s the best way to make sure you’re getting the range of vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy immune system so your body can fight off any virus that comes its way.
Source: Eat This, Not That