As the Coronavirus situation continues and people are spending most of their time indoors, people are asking what they can do to keep healthy.
The SIV (Sheffield International Venues) article Foods to boost your immune system details some of the steps you can take to keep your immune system functioning well.
SIV explains that “despite being many claims on the internet, there’s no magic food or pill that’s certain to boost your immune systems and protect you against coronavirus. Don’t panic there’s good news, too. There are plenty of ways to keep your immune system functioning optimally.” These include:
- Maintaining good nutrition
- Being physically active
- Meditating and managing stress
- Getting plenty of sleep
What you eat plays a large part in keeping healthy. The information below is taken from the SIV article and highlights which vitamins and minerals in certain foods are particularly important for your body’s immune system.
Beta Carotene
The body converts beta carotene into vitamin A, that works as an antioxidant which is essential for a healthy immune system. Good sources of beta carotene include carrots, spinach, apricots, sweet potatoes, kale, squash and broccoli.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has several important functions, including:
- Protects cells and keeps them healthy
- Maintains healthy skin, blood vessels and bones
- Helps with wound healing
You can reach your 200-milligram limit by combining foods such as strawberries, grapefruit, oranges, broccoli, cooked cabbage, red and green peppers.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important one as it regulates the production of protein that kills bacteria and viruses. There are plenty of good food sources that contain vitamin D such as cheese, mushrooms, eggs, fatty fish, including canned fish (salmon and sardines).
Zinc
Zinc has become a popular treatment for the common cold, as well as fighting infections and healing wounds. Research has shown that low levels of zinc may impair your immune function. Sources of zinc include lentils, fortified cereals, seeds, nuts and if you’re really fancy crab and lobster.
Keep up to date during the Coronavirus outbreak with the Disability Sheffield Coronavirus Information and Support page.
