More than two millennia back, Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food”. This profound statement by the ancient Greek physician couldn’t get any more valid than in the present-day circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued its ominous presence worldwide, with countries like India succumbing under the intense pressure of the viral cataclysm. Considering these scenarios, it is incredibly imperative that we focus on building our immunity and strength with clean, plant-based nutrition and a holistic lifestyle. Consuming a well-balanced and plant-based diet rich in all the necessary macro and micronutrients is essential for strengthening the body and its immune system.
Vitamin C and Zinc
Mr Mihir Gadani, Co-founder & COO of OZiva, states that "we might be eating a lot of food, but more often than not, we fail to consume the right amounts of nutrients. For example, many of our foods are high in carbohydrates, while other essential nutrients like proteins and fibre are low. There is also a heavy reliance on deep-fried packaged foods, fizzy sugary drinks and processed food items. We also tend to overlook the importance of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. E.g., Our body needs adequate amounts of Vitamin C and Zinc to help support the immune system and fight infections. Consuming them daily either through fruits and vegetables or with plant-based vitamins and minerals supplements can help strengthen your body’s immune system."
Plant-based superfoods
Switching to a clean plant-based diet can work wonders, not just in curtailing the viral dissemination but also for our overall health and fitness.
- Plant-based superfoods like broccoli, kale, blueberries, watermelon seeds, avocado oil, pistachio, kiwifruit, goji berries, turmeric, Matcha tea, etcetera can prove mighty instrumental in powering your immune system towards a disease-free body. These superfoods are well-endowed with several vitamins like A, B 12, B6, C, and E and contain essential minerals such as zinc and iron, which are necessary to strengthen the body from within.
- Consumption of plant-based vitamins and minerals can help meet the daily dietary requirements of these micronutrients in the body. In addition, they are devoid of harmful additives and hence safe for long term consumption.
Conclusion
"To build overall immunity, it is also essential to focus on a holistic lifestyle that includes a clean, plant-based diet, some form of physical activity and maintaining mental wellbeing. So while Covid-19 might be here for a while, with these lifestyle changes along with following social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands (or using sanitiser) and getting vaccinated, we can surely defeat Covid 19," says Mr Mihir Gadani, Co-founder & COO of OZiva.