Search Weight Loss Topics:




Jun 19

Immunity boosters: Include these 5 vitamins and minerals in your diet – The Indian Express

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | Published: June 19, 2020 5:30:09 pm Are you including these important vitamins and minerals in your diet? (Photo: Getty)

While vitamins and minerals wont immediately turn you into a virus-fighting superhero but consuming them is extremely beneficial for your body and overall health. The current time has surely made us concerned about what we eat and how we can improve our diet. Ahead, take a look at these five important vitamins and minerals that make a world of difference when you consume them over time. They are known to increase immunity and fight infections.

READ| These 2-morning drinks will help you boost your immunity

1. Vitamin D: Vitamin D, which is found in eggs, fish, chicken and cod liver oil, is one of the most important vitamins and plays a crucial role in the activation of your immunity system whenever theres an exposure to pathogen-like viruses or bacteria. So its important to check your vitamin D levels and take the right supplements accordingly, says Dr Rohini Somnath Patil, MBBS, nutritionist.

However, the best source of this vitamin is when you are exposed to sunlight. The UV rays induce the body to manufacture Vitamin D from cholesterol present in your body. She mentions, The amount of sunlight needed ranges from about five to 20 minutes twice a week.

2. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is what makes your immune system strong. Make sure you consume Vitamin C rich foods like amla, lemon, kiwi, mangoes, oranges, etc. Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a potent anti-oxidant and co-factors many enzymes in our body. It holds a reputation as an immune system booster, says Dr Somnath.

READ| 5 superfoods to boost your immunity

3. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight off infections too. Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds are rich sources of Vitamin E.

4. Magnesium and zinc: Along with vitamin D and C, magnesium and zinc are minerals which play a crucial role in carrying out the enzymatic processes in our body, mentions Dr Somnath. Magnesium helps in converting vitamin D into its active usable form and zinc has an anti-inflammatory action in our body. This protects our body and responds to immune damage. In fact, even chocolates contain a good dose of magnesium and release feel-good hormones.

5. Selenium: Selenium seems to have a powerful effect on the immune system, including the potential to slow the bodys over-active responses to certain aggressive forms of cancer, says the doctor. Make sure you get your dosage by consuming garlic, broccoli, sardines, tuna and barley.

READ| Turn to these traditional immunity boosters for better health

The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest Lifestyle News, download Indian Express App.

IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd

View original post here:
Immunity boosters: Include these 5 vitamins and minerals in your diet - The Indian Express

Related Posts

    Your Full Name

    Your Email

    Your Phone Number

    Select your age (30+ only)

    Select Your US State

    Program Choice

    Confirm over 30 years old

    Yes

    Confirm that you resident in USA

    Yes

    This is a Serious Inquiry

    Yes

    Message:



    matomo tracker