Gov. MAKINDE Releases Food Advisory To Battle COVID-19

•Full Details Of The 7 Food & Natural Products That You Need To Take

Oxidative stress, hyper inflammation and compromised immune system are very common pathways by which coronavirus attacks the body system and people can then come down with the disease COVID-19. We have indigenous food substances and natural products available to people that have been shown experimentally to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also serve as immunomodulators. They can be taken regularly as prophylaxis or as preventive measures against COVID-19 and other viral illnesses.

(1) BITTER KOLA

 This has been well investigated and active compounds characterized from it show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Further, it has been proved to act as anti-influenza (flu) agent experimentally.

(2) TUMERIC

This is common and the main active agent in it is called Curcumin with well-proven anti-inflammatory property in several models.

(3) ZINC

Zinc is a mineral and very useful in the body to prevent viral replication and acts as an immune booster

(4) GINGER

This is well investigated to be a very potent anti-inflammatory agent on account of active principles like 6-Gingerol and Shogoal. Again ginger contains a lot of zinc. Regular intake of ginger will be useful as an anti-inflammatory agent and also helps to boost immunity.

(5) GARLIC

Garlic has been around for ages and known to have very strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also serves as a blood thinner or anticoagulant.

(6) CITRUS FRUITS

They contain a copious amount of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is also known as an antiviral vitamin. Vit C is very useful in managing COVID-19. Citrus fruits like lime, lemon and oranges will prove useful.

(7) BITTER LEAF

The anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic (fever-lowering), anti-nociceptive (pain reducing); antibacterial and immune-boosting capacity of the bitter leaf have been extensively investigated with proven efficacy in several models.

Our research group has investigated the above agents in the last 25 years with publications in recognised journals. Some of the works have led to the award of PhD thesis adjudged to be the best NUC and University of Ibadan. Some patients have also come out of these studies. On request, we can provide evidence and publications to support these claims.

Professor E. Olatunde Farombi, FAS Professor of Biochemistry and Fellow, Nigeria Academy of Science. Head, Department of Biochemistry, UI