Tag: Immune system

  • Ramadan: Nutritionist counsels Muslims on balanced diet to boost immune system

    Ramadan: Nutritionist counsels Muslims on balanced diet to boost immune system

    Mrs Aisha Bello, a  nutritionist, on Saturday called on Muslims who are observing the Ramadan fast to ensure they eat balanced diet in order to boost their immunity amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    Bello, who teaches Food Technology at Kaduna Polytechnic, gave the advice in an interview with Daybreak on Saturday in Kaduna.

    According to her, it is very important for people who are fasting to include proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables and different kind of fruits in their diet.

    ” It is equally important to take water during Suhur(dawn) and iftar(breaking of the fast) so as to stay hydrated and water also helps in carrying nutrient to all tissues and aid in removing waste,” she said.

    The nutritionist, however, noted that one can source affordable food items that are common in the  environment, such as Mango, Spinach, Tomatoes, Eggs, Millet among others to make a well balanced meal without spending much.

    She said that a well balanced diet which constitute all the six classes of food would help supply energy, builds and repair the body.

    Bello maintained that people who eat balanced diet stand better chance of warding off viruses and diseases giving their strong immune system.

  • 7 Fruits that boost the body’s immune system

    7 Fruits that boost the body’s immune system

    Feeding your body certain foods may help keep your immune system strong. If you’re looking for ways to prevent winter colds and the flu, your first step should be a visit to your local grocery store. Plan your meals to include these 15 powerful immune system boosters.

    1. Citrus fruits
    Most people turn to vitamin C after they’ve caught a cold. That’s because it helps build up your immune system. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections.
    Popular citrus fruits include:
    grapefruit
    oranges
    tangerines
    lemons
    limes
    clementines
    Because your body doesn’t produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health. Almost all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. With such a variety to choose from, it’s easy to add a squeeze of this vitamin to any meal.

    2. Red bell peppers
    If you think citrus fruits have the most vitamin C of any fruit or vegetable, think again. Ounce for ounce, red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus. They’re also a rich source of beta carotene. Besides boosting your immune system, vitamin C may help maintain healthy skin. Beta carotene helps keep your eyes and skin healthy.

    3. Garlic
    Garlic is found in almost every cuisine in the world. It adds a little zing to food and it’s a must-have for your health. Early civilizations recognized its value in fighting infections. According to the National Center for VComplementary and Integrative Health Trusted Source, garlic may also help lower blood pressure and slow down hardening of the arteries. Garlic’s immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin.

    4. Ginger
    Ginger is another ingredient many turn to after getting sick. Ginger may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses. Ginger may also help decrease nausea.
    While it’s used in many sweet desserts, ginger packs some heat in the form of gingerol, a relative of capsaicin. Ginger may help decrease chronic pain and may possess cholesterol-lowering properties, according to recent animal.

    5. Mango
    Mango is a good source of immune -boosting nutrients. One cup (165 grams) of mango provides 10% of your daily vitamin A needs ( 2 ). Vitamin A is essential for a healthy immune system , as it helps fight infections. … On top of this, the same amount of mango provides nearly three-quarters of your daily vitamin C needs.

    6. Turmeric
    You may know turmeric as a key ingredient in many curries. But this bright yellow, bitter spice has also been used for years as an anti-inflammatory in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, research Trusted source confirms that high concentrations of curcumin, which gives tumeric its distinctive color, can help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage.

    7. Papaya
    Papaya is another fruit loaded with vitamin C. You can find 224 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C in a single papaya. Papayas also have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects.
    Papayas have decent amounts of potassium, B vitamins, and folate, all of which are beneficial to your overall health.