Eating a healthy diet is very important during the COVID-19 pandemic. What we eat and drink can affect our body's ability to prevent, fight, and recover from infections. While no food or dietary supplement can prevent or cure COVID-19 infection, healthy diets are important for supporting the immune system. No single food, nutrient, or supplement can prevent coronavirus infection, but eating healthy helps the body fight diseases.
Supplements (such as vitamins and minerals) can be helpful, but only if you're not getting enough of those nutrients regularly. Fresh produce is almost always the best option, but when they're not available there are many healthy alternatives that are easy to store and prepare. Canned beans and chickpeas, which provide a lot of nutrients, can be stored for months or even years, and can be included in meals in many ways. Canned blue fish, such as sardines, mackerel and salmon, are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
They can be used cold in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes, or they can be cooked as part of a hot meal. Canned vegetables, such as tomatoes, tend to contain lower amounts of vitamins than fresh produce, but are a great alternative option when it's hard to find fresh produce or frozen vegetables. Dry products such as dried beans, legumes and grains, such as lentils, split peas, rice, couscous, or quinoa, are also nutritious, long-lasting options that are tasty, affordable, and filling. Oatmeal flakes cooked with milk or water can be a great breakfast option and can be flavored with yogurt, chopped fruit, or raisins.
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