ANTIOXIDANTS: THE ANSWER TO COVID-19

With the lockdown partially relaxed, we are all excited and eager to go back to our normal routines. One thing we fail to remember is that this virus is still in the air and is spreading rapidly.
Apart from the basic preventive measures of wearing a nose mask, washing/sanitizing our hands and maintaining social distance, we can also build our immune systems by infusing enough antioxidants into our body to help us fight against the virus.
This article will help and guide you on the things to include in your diet to help your body fight this virus perfectly.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
An antioxidant is any substance that acts to slow or prevent the oxidation of another chemical.
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals leading to chain reactions that may damage the cells in the body.
Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their level in the human body becomes too high. Without antioxidants, free radicals could cause serious harm to our body which could eventually lead to death if not properly managed.

SOURCES OF ANTIOXIDANTS
The main antioxidants that help regulate free radicals in the body are vitamin A, C and E and the mineral selenium. These antioxidants can be found in common fruit and vegetables around us some of which are:
1. Brassica oleracea (broccoli): This vegetable is known as the supper veggie. It contains 90% water, 7% carbohydrates (sugar and fiber), 3% protein and almost no fat. It is very low in calories. The fiber contained in this vegetable promotes gut health, prevents various diseases and reduces body weight. It also aids digestion, prevents constipation maintains low blood sugar and curbs overeating. It is an important part of a healthy diet.
Broccoli also contains vitamins (Vit. C and K) and minerals (foliate, potassium, magnesium and iron). Vitamin C is important for immune function and skin health, vitamin K aids blood clotting and promotes bone health, and folate (B9) is highly important for pregnant women as it aids normal tissue growth and cell functions.
Broccoli contains high level of calcium and vitamin K which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. It also contains beta-carotene which promotes eye health and keeps the stomach lining healthy.
Broccoli in fact contains a little bit of almost everything the body needs hence the name super veggie. The best way to get all these benefits out of this vegetable is to steam it gently.
2. Allium sativum (garlic): Garlic is regarded as nature’s best antiseptic for the alimentary canal. It contains a wide range of trace minerals: copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, germanium and selenium. The most active components of fresh garlic are an amino acid (allicin) and an enzyme (allinase). Research has shown that garlic is an effective remedy for high blood pressure, rheumatic and muscular pain, dizziness and sore eyes.
In addition, it relieves discomfort of gas in the digestive tract, heals bowel pain, intestinal and stomach ulcers, good tonic for the lungs and is highly effective in the relief of dyspepsia and torpid liver.
3. Beta vulgaris (beet root): This vegetable is packed with fiber, folate (Vit. B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and Vit. C. They also have a high content of inorganic nitrates which are associated with reduced blood pressure.
The vitamin C in beet root helps to boost your immune system and protect your body cells from free radicals. It also supports collagen production, wound healing and iron absorption. Research has shown that beet root prevents or reduce fatty deposits in the liver. This is possible because of the betaine found in beets and if you have a high cholesterol then maybe you should consider adding beetroot to your diet.
Beet root is healthy no matter how you choose to prepare it but juicing it is the best way to enjoy them because cooking reduces its nutritional profile. If you have a problem with the earthy or muddy taste, you could add apples or carrots to give you that wonderful taste.
4. Daucus carota (carrot): Carrot is a root vegetable and it is claimed to be the perfect health food. Carrots are crunchy, tasty and highly nutritious. It is a good source of beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants.
The antioxidants protect the body cells against diseases. The polyacetylenes and antioxidants in carrots protects our cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Falcarinol and falcarindiol (polyacetylenes) aids in inhabiting the growth of colon cancer cells
It is a known fact that carrot boosts the eye health. Carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin) protects the eye against various eye disorders, reduces the risk of age-related vision loss, lowers the rate of glaucoma and also reduces the risk of cataract.
If you get tired of chewing the carrots, you can make it fun by juicing it. Carrot juice improves the brain health, prevents Alzheimer’s disease, enhances memory and acts as antibacterial which helps to maintain oral health. Carrots are best eaten after a meal because they boost immunity and aid digestion by removing unwanted bacteria in the gut.
5. Citrus aurantifolia (lime): This small, round, green-coloured hybrid citrus fruit has been known for its medicinal purpose. Lime contains mainly water and it is an extremely good source of vitamin C. it contains the least amount of calories, carbohydrates (10.54g) and fat (0.2g). The peel and the pulp of lime are packed with various phytochemicals like polyphenols and terpenes.
The health benefits of lime are really numerous and a few of them are; relief from constipation, boosts immunity, weight loss, reduced respiratory disorder and improved digestion.
Research has shown that lime is useful in the treatment of scurvy, peptic ulcer, piles, gout and gums. It works wonders on the hair, eye and also lowers the risk of developing cancer.
However, lime peels contain harmful bacteria. It is adviceable to wash the lime properly before consumption.
6. Cochorus olitorius (jute mallow): If you cherish your health and overall wellbeing, you cannot afford to ignore this leafy vegetable. Locally known as ewedu, this plant is a powerhouse of nutrients that can benefit the whole body.
Jute mallow has anti-inflammatory properties. People suffering from arthritis, stomach ache and headache can boil the leaves and drink the water. It also has high fiber content which promotes bowel movement and keeps the digestive system healthy.
This wonder plant prevents the onset of diabetes, regulates menstrual periods, alleviates symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, helps to regulate blood pressure, and prevents heart diseases and elevated cholesterol levels. Recent research claims that lime can fight drug resistant bacterial infections.
7. Curcuma longa (turmeric): Research has shown that turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement I existence as it has major benefits for your body and brain. The curcumin (the main active ingredient in turmeric) helps your body to fight foreign invaders and repair damages. Turmeric, not only neutralizes the free radicals in your body it also stimulates the antioxidant enzymes in your body.
Studies show that turmeric has incredible benefit against depression, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. It delays aging and also fight age-related chronic disease.
However, turmeric can make gallbladder problems become worse. Of you have gallstones or a bill duct obstruction, avoid turmeric.
8. Azadirachta indica (neem): This plant is a strong antioxidant as it neutralizes free radical that may influence the development of certain conditions. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Neem (dogoyaro) is unique because all of its parts are beneficial to the human health.
The leaves are used to manage loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood, leprosy, gingivitis, liver problems and eye disorders. The bark is used in treating malaria, pains, stomach and intestinal ulcers. The flower is used to reduce hemorrhoids and control phlegm. The twigs and fruits are used to relief cough, asthma, low sperm levels, urinary tract disorders, hemorrhoids and wounds. Some people also use extract from the leaf as mosquito repellant and skin softener.
Pregnant women are advised to stay away from this plant because it causes abortion.
In addition to these vegetables, spinach, ginger. Kale, onions and fruits in general should be included in our diet to improve our immune system.
It is better to get these antioxidants from fruits and vegetables as antioxidants contained in supplements are in concentrated form. The health detriments associated with taking antioxidant supplements out-number its potential benefits.

Comments and ideas are welcome

Cc: lalasticlala and cuddlemi