5 Healthy Eating Habits to Fight COVID-19, According to the CDC
Although there's been a lot of scientific research around COVID-19, we still aren't completely clear if there are specific foods that can help prevent or fight it in any capacity. However, numerous medical sources have been able to give concrete advice regarding nutrition and healthy eating habits that can help fight COVID-19, along with many other infections that can come your way.
We recently found healthy eating tips posted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to be incredibly helpful when it comes to fighting off infections like COVID-19. The healthy eating habits they recommend are simple and very easy to follow, which is why we figured they were worth sharing and expanding on. Here are the healthy eating habits recommended by the CDC to fight COVID-19, and for more healthy tips during the pandemic, be sure to read up on The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
Eat nutritious foods to decrease stress.
According to the CDC's website, one of the best ways to cope with pandemic stress is to treat your body with good nutrition and self-care. And we're not just talking bubble baths—although those are a great way to destress when needed. The CDC also recommends simple ways to handle stress like meditation and stretching, eating well-balanced meals, exercising regularly, getting good sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol use.
The choices you make for your nutrition really can play a huge role in your immunity as well as your stress levels. You can take the CDC's advice on eating nutritious foods by cooking up one of these 100+ Best Healthy Recipes.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
The CDC says that one of the best ways to fight off infections like COVID-19 is to make sure you are getting a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. There are a few vitamins and minerals in particular that are best for your immune system when fighting COVID-19—like vitamin C.
Vitamin C can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Add any of these Vitamin C Rich Foods to your meals every day for a better fighting chance against COVID-19.
Drink low-fat milk (or fortified milk alternatives).
Another important vitamin to have that can help fight COVID-19 is vitamin D, which can be found in dairy products such as milk. Milk can provide your body with a sufficient amount of vitamin D, as well as a good amount of healthy fat and even some protein.
You can also get a variety of vitamin D foods by adding some of these 11 Best Vitamin D-Rich Foods to your meals as well.
Make meals with zinc-rich foods.
Lastly, the CDC says that zinc is another important mineral that should be regularly added to your diet to help fight COVID-19. Some of the best sources of zinc that you can add to your diet include lean meats, seafood, legumes, nuts, and seeds, as well as these 20 Foods High In Zinc.
Eat whole foods over taking dietary supplements.
All in all, the CDC says that the best way to fight COVID-19 and other types of infections is to eat whole foods. Although dietary supplements can be helpful if you're not getting a sufficient amount of certain vitamins and minerals, the CDC says that truly the best way to get those micronutrients is by eating whole, real foods. If you feel you aren't getting enough of your vitamins and minerals throughout the day, the CDC recommends talking to a pharmacist, doctor, or registered dietitians to walk you through those supplemental needs.
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