The World Health Organization (WHO) has published some nutrition advice for adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. Among others, these recommendations include: eating more unsaturated fats, such as nuts, versus saturated or trans fats; and eating more fresh and unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains and foods from animal sources (e.g. milk, eggs, fish and meat). As for dried fruits, the WHO emphasizes the importance of choosing products without added salt or sugar.
In the same vein, a recent study [1] published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, establishes some nutritional recommendations for the quarantine. The study observed that foods supplying micronutrients may help boost the immune function. This happens because some of these micronutrients, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene, are antioxidants. Antioxidants may help prevent or slow the damage of the cells. Another essential trace element that is crucial for the maintenance of immune function is zinc. And nuts are one of the major dietary sources of vitamin E and zinc.
The researchers conclude that keeping foods that are good sources of immuno-supportive nutrients, planning times to eat, meals, portions and having a cutoff time for eating but mostly having in mind positive attitudes could be helpful to tackle the negative health effects of quarantine.
In the same vein, a recent study [1] published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, establishes some nutritional recommendations for the quarantine. The study observed that foods supplying micronutrients may help boost the immune function. This happens because some of these micronutrients, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene, are antioxidants. Antioxidants may help prevent or slow the damage of the cells. Another essential trace element that is crucial for the maintenance of immune function is zinc. And nuts are one of the major dietary sources of vitamin E and zinc.
The researchers conclude that keeping foods that are good sources of immuno-supportive nutrients, planning times to eat, meals, portions and having a cutoff time for eating but mostly having in mind positive attitudes could be helpful to tackle the negative health effects of quarantine.
[1] Muscogiuri, G., Barrea, L., Savastano, S., & Colao, A. (2020). Nutritional recommendations for CoVID-19 quarantine. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1-2.