The world is pretty scary right now with this Coronavirus outbreak. Here’s a couple of ideas for vegans and people with dietary restrictions, on how to strengthen your immune system, how to prepare in case of quarantine, and where to get accurate information regarding the pandemic.
Hi everyone, no recipe this week. Instead, I wrote what I consider to be a very important blog post regarding the recent pandemic.
The world may seem like a scary place right now. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is inevitably spreading throughout the entire world, which can make anyone nervous, scared and anxious. This can be particularly real for vegans and anyone with a dietary restriction. At this point, you might be wondering “How can I avoid getting the virus? How can I strengthen my immune system?” “How do I prepare properly in case of a quarantine?”. Here are a couple of plant-based foods that can help strengthen your immune system; yes, foods, not herbs, powders or supplements. Also a couple of tips of how to prepare in case of quarantine and where to get accurate information.
Protect your Immune System
- Limit sugar: A few grams of processed sugar can destroy your white blood cells’ ability to fight diseases for several hours. It’s important to limit your consumption of sugar either from a direct source (sweets, sodas, etc.) or an indirect source (processed foods, canned goods, etc.).
- Dark greens: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, etc., are high in minerals like calcium and zinc, which makes them good for immunity-boosting and for strengthening bones.
- Anti-inflammatory roots: Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, certain foods have been identified as an anti-inflammatory like turmeric & ginger. Both of those roots could help decrease markers of inflammation, relieve chronic pain and improve immune function.
- Alliums: Veggies like onions, garlic, leeks & chives, are rich in antioxidants and selenium, and possess antibacterial and antiviral benefits in addition to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, anti-inflammatory effects, reduced risk of cancer, and a stronger immune system.
- Orange fruits & veggies: Carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, papaya & pumpkin are good sources of carotenoids, a powerful nutrient that supports the production of infection-fighting cells throughout the body.
- Exercise: This may sound like a cliché, but moderate exercise, like walking, pilates, and yoga, can help the lymph system cleanse to boost your immune system.
- Fluids: When we are sick the most important thing our body needs is liquids, like water, veggie broths, and teas. When it comes to battling any sort of sickness with liquids, room-temperature and warm liquids tend to be more beneficial than cold ones, as the body would have to work to warm up the liquid for digestion. This can help loosen mucus and relieve congestion.
How to prepare:
- Stock up on essentials:
- Frozen fruits & veggies are just as nutritious as fresh ones.
- Nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and protein bars.
- Canned foods and dried goods like rice, pasta, beans, and oats.
- Use fresh foods first, and also the food that’s about to expire.
- Meal prep freezable meals, so they’ll last longer.
- Stock up on important vitamins and medications that you might need. Make sure to keep taking your B-12 regularly, and in case of an at-home quarantine, Vitamin D to compensate for the lack of sun, and get your prescription medications beforehand.
Here are some recipes that you can prepare in batches:
- Vegan Sandwiches de Mezcla
- Ultimate Vegan Burger Patties
- Roasted Tomato Soup
- Tofu Scramble
- Roasted Bell Pepper Pasta Sauce
- Golden Milk Smoothie
- Raw Brownie Truffles
- Carrot & Squash Soup
- 5 Grain Salad
- Golden Milk Latte
- Pumpkin Cheese & Jackfruit Taquitos
What can you do?
Don’t panic, but also take this situation seriously. Thinking the Coronavirus outbreak will go away by just washing our hands is a lack of empathy towards people who have a compromised immune system and those who can’t afford health care. Also, make sure you’re getting accurate information from the right sources, not just from the news and social media. Visit the following federal, state, and local links for more up-to-date information on COVID-19.
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