Healthy foods that might be helpful in fighting COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is a novel corona virus that can cause remarkable infectious disease. This virus can transfer easily from person to another. The first case was documented in December 2019, in Wuhan/ Hubei, China. The WHO declared the disease as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. Unfortunately, the world has to try by prevention measures to contain the disease as much as possible because the medical establishments has failed so far to provide any reliable treatment for COVID-19.Enhancement of immune function is of high importance since the immune system is actually the force that preserves the integrity of the body by resisting pathological agents and microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi. Adequate nutrition should be paid enough attention to maintain body’s defenses and immune mechanisms. This can be achieved by providing healthy diet and giving balanced level of vitamins, minerals, water, and calories. The prevention and management of viral infections require balanced nutrition, which is also important for enhancing the organism’s immunity against viral infections. Immune dysfunction can lead to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. Such event is expected to happen when specific nutritional deficiencies and dietary insufficiencies occur, including  deficiency of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, and proteins.