A new calendar year has just entered yet the world was devastated by an infectious disease, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With the alarming increase of positive cases, targeting older persons and those with pre-existing medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

While the region is under community quarantine it’s also important to keep a stock of commodities especially on food items. In situation like this, keeping ourselves healthy should be our top priority. Foods  we prepare for the whole family should be packed with essential nutrients to stay healthy and have a stronger immunity to fight against this viral disease. The National Nutrition Council XII advises everyone to follow these simple nutrition tips:

• Eat vegetables and fruits daily. Sweet potato, squash, carrots and green, leafy vegetables like pechay, malunggay, alugbati, kangkong, sili leaves are for stronger immune system and healthy respiratory system. Fruits like mango, papaya, pineapple, banana, melon, guava and citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants which gives healthy skin and fight off infections.
• Consume body building foods like fish, meat, eggs, milk and legumes which are rich sources of proteins. Proteins make antibodies to strengthen our immune system.
• Limit intake of salty, fatty and sugary rich foods to get rid and/or not to worsen complications like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes or cancer.
• Drink 8 glasses of water or more every day to flush out toxins in our body and for regulation of body temperature.

There is no single food that will give all-important nutrients that will fight the coronavirus. One should consume fresh, nutritious and healthy foods, have a regular exercise inside our home, get enough and proper sleep, cessation of smoking, limitation of alcoholic beverages intake and avoidance of stress should go hand in hand during this pandemic crisis. It’s  imperative to keep a regular practice of the Ten Kumainments.

(RAL/AMF/AML)