As you head to the supermarket to stock up, it is vital that you select food items that would build your immunity against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other diseases. Apart from following the basic protective measures, it’s essential to stick to a healthy balanced diet that contains important vitamins and minerals.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus (COVID-19): These Tips Could Save Your Life
As researchers and scientists work to find a vaccine for the coronavirus, here are some superfoods that build immunity against the disease.
Low-Fat Yoghurt
Yoghurt gets the superfood reputation because of its probiotic activity. Probiotics are good bacteria that keep your gut healthy. They act as a line of defence for foods ingested and fights infections. Yoghurt is essential for immune health as it is also a good source of calcium and protein. Research has shown that yoghurt consumption is beneficial for the elderly when it comes to boosting immunity. As we know, elderly people are more at risk of coronavirus disease.

Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, lime and grapefruit, are strong immune boosters. These superfoods are excellent sources of Vitamin C, which helps protect the body from infections. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is important for immune function. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells and also functions as an antioxidant. The body cannot make Vitamin C, so it must come from the foods you eat on a daily basis. Citrus fruits also contain dietary fibre that helps our metabolism.

Garlic and Ginger
The double Gs – Garlic and Ginger. These superfoods have been used for ages to boost and strengthen the immune system. Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Its antiviral property may be helpful in reducing the severity of colds, flu or COVID-19 infections. Allicin is the immune-boosting compound in garlic. It’s advisable to use garlic in its raw form and not its powder, to get maximum benefit.
Ginger contains antioxidant compounds that fight off bacterial and viral infections such as flu, chest infections and sore throat (Some of which are symptoms of COVID-19). Ginger also contains other nutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium. Just like garlic, skip the supplement and use the real thing.

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato is a cholesterol-free superfood that has many health benefits. It is rich in beta carotene and vitamin C. Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant and a rich source of vitamin A. Sweet potato has immune-boosting and disease-preventing functions and can help build your immune system against coronavirus disease. Other sources of beta-carotene include; carrots and green leafy vegetables.

Water
Water is nature’s most underrated “superfood”. Water is of the utmost importance when building a strong immune system. It naturally eliminates toxins from the body, preventing a buildup. Water also fuels the regeneration of immune fighting cells.

Other superfoods worthy of mention are:
- Almond nuts
- Turmeric
- Green vegetables
- Red bell pepper
- Watermelon
These superfoods would build your immunity against the disease, so also would preventive measures such as hand washing, sanitizing and avoiding contact with sick individuals go a long way in reducing your risk. Follow the guidelines and do your part to reduce the spread of the disease (COVID-19). Most importantly, stay safe ❤️
If you enjoyed reading this, we have more for you here. Check out some of our best articles on Health and Lifestyle and follow our feed on Instagram.