Stock These 10 Healthy Food Items to Boost your Immunity in Self-Isolation

The coronavirus pandemic has struck across the world, and India is no exception. Coronavirus cases have been on the rise rapidly making India among the worst affected countries. While taking precautionary measures, like practising social distancing, washing hands frequently and wearing face masks have been advised by health experts, the importance of healthy foods - which boost body immunity - cannot be ignored. Especially, if you have a travel history, and have been advised self-isolation, you must consume healthy foods to boost your immunity. In these tough times, it is also imperative to take care of your mental health by exercising and by following a healthy diet. No doubt the pandemic has made our lives chaotic, but proper stress management and taking smart steps by consuming foods which boost the immune system will go a long way in effectively dealing with the disease. 

10 Healthy Foods to Boost Body Immunity in Self-Isolation:

1. Oats:

Oats are among the healthiest and most convenient  breakfast options with a well-balanced nutrient composition. It contains the powerful fibre beta-glucan along with vital vitamins, minerals and a unique group of antioxidant plant compounds called avenanthramides. It boosts body’s immunity, and builds tolerance against onslaught of invasive viruses, including coronavirus.

2. Brown Rice:

As compared to white rice, brown rice is a healthy food option and boosts your immunity too. It is packed with fibre and essential nutrients. Alongside, it has some vital minerals, including selenium.

3. Beans and lentils: 

These are among the best sources of protein, and a vegetarian alternative to meat and chicken. These also contain essential vitamins and minerals to boost body immunity. Consuming healthy foods becomes even more important when you are in self-isolation, and find yourself suffering from the symptoms of coronavirus, like dry cough, fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, headaches, tiredness, body ache, runny nose, diarrhoea and shortness of breath. 

4. Broccoli: 

Did you know that merely half a cup of broccoli will meet around 43% of your daily Vitamin C requirements? This healthy food option is packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants, which will invariably boost body immunity. Broccoli also has Vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant, which has been proved to fight viruses. While medical experts advise consuming Vitamin C to protect yourself from the virus, among the common prevailing myths about coronavirus is that high consumption of Vitamin C will kill the virus. This is, however, wrong and you must follow the advice of your medical practitioner, including taking the prescribed medicines, in the unfortunate case of being diagnosed with coronavirus.

5. Garlic: 

This is another powerful and healthy food option to boost your immunity. It can help you to lower your blood pressure and fight heart diseases. Garlic contains sulphur compounds, which can boost your immunity. It is again imperative here to underline that according to the prevailing myths about coronavirus consumption of garlic kills coronavirus. Remember, treatment of coronavirus requires a holistic approach under the advice of a qualified doctor. 

6. Strawberries: 

A cup of strawberries can meet up to 50% of your daily Vitamin C requirements, thus making it among the best fruits to boost body immunity. 

7. Spinach: 

Spinach can boost body immunity as it is packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins, including Vitamin C. This powerful food’s immunity boosting capability also comes from Beta Carotene - the most important dietary source for Vitamin A. 

8. Mushrooms: 

Yet another healthy food to boost your immunity, mushrooms are among the best sources of immunity boosting Vitamin D. Consumption of mushrooms helps in absorption of calcium, which is vital for your bone health.  It can also protect you from cancer, respiratory diseases and invasive viruses. 

9. Yogurt: 

Yogurt can boost the immune system as it is a powerful source of probiotics - a class of ‘good bacteria’, which improves gut health. 

10. Sunflower Seeds: 

These seeds boost the immune system as they are packed with Vitamin E - an immune boosting nutrient. A roasted cup of sunflower seeds can meet up to 49% of your daily requirement of Vitamin E.

A Holistic Approach to Fight Coronavirus

While consumption of healthy foods to boost your immunity is essential to prevent coronavirus, a holistic approach is required to protect yourself from the rapidly spreading pandemic. You must consider buying a health insurance policy for coronavirus as it will secure your finances against unplanned medical expenses in the case you are diagnosed with the disease. Health insurance plans, like the individual Corona Kavach provides coverage for a wide slew of medical needs. The Corona Kavach will provide coverage for hospitalisation, pre/post-hospitalisation, treatment of comorbidities and home care treatment. You must select a trusted and reliable insurance company, having health insurance plans for specific needs, like critical illness insurance, personal accident policy and Corona Kavach.

Conclusion:

Thus, do remember to stock up these healthy foods to boost your immunity. Alongside, buying a health insurance policy for coronavirus is also essential to protect yourself from the element of chance in contracting the highly contagious disease. You can zero in on the Corona Kavach – individual health insurance plan from Niva Bupa, which is designed to protect you from hospitalisation expenses arising out of Covid-19 treatment. It provides for coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for tenures of 3.5 months, 6.5 months and 9.5 months. The plan also provides coverage for comorbidities arising out of Covid-19.