Importance of vegetables as healthier diet in the management of COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19, a viral outbreak has taken toll on millions of lives in a very short span of time. This spread can be mainly due to ease of travel. Remedy for viral infections is extremely difficult as they keep changing their characteristics often. Though, vaccines have been under study for coronavirus, none has been approved yet. Till then, nutritional supplement is the only way to protect the human body against such lethality. As per World Health reports, every year about 2.7 million deaths occur due to poor diet lacking in enough and essential dietary fibres, vitamins and minerals received from vegetables and fruits. Immune system must be improved and developed through proper dietary management. Recommended diet includes green, low fat, vegetarian foods to boost immunity. They contain variety of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, fibre and many phytochemicals. These secondary metabolites and phytochemicals constitute a major part in developing immunity. Phytochemicals are the most important element in the pharmaceutical and medical industry too. Intake of water, vitamins like A, C, B complex, minerals like zinc and magnesium and other micronutrients keep the infections at bay. Thus, including foods rich in these substances help to fight diseases including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, etc. The nutrients from vegetables like tomato, onions, bell peppers, crucifiers, etc., and medicinal crops like turmeric, ginger and garlic combat against these viral infections.