Have ‘satvik’ diet to combat the virus: Dr Pendharkar

Staff Reporter :

Dr Jayshree Pendharkar was speaking in the Facebook live event ‘COVID Samvad’

Today, it is very important for everyone to take care of own health. For this, everyone should focus on yoga, pranayam, and a diet that boosts immune system. The mantra is to have a good immune system while fighting the novel coronavirus. There is no need to buy any medicine to boost immune system. “Everyone should have satvik diet to fight the virus effectively,” appealed renowned nutritionist Dr Jayshree Pendharkar. Dr Pendharkar was speaking in the Facebook live event ‘COVID Samvad’ organised on Friday, by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) jointly, as per the idea of Sandeep Joshi, Mayor.

“We need good diet to ensure proper growth of body, gain energy, and boost immunity. But, the diet has to be balanced, nutritious, and satvik. There is no need to eat meat for this. Vegetarian diet provides us all the nutrients we need,” Dr Pendharkar said. She said that human body needed 50% protein for blood cells. Vitamins C and D are vital in fight against COVID-19. She suggested to incorporate lemon, sweet lime, citrus fruits, and aamla in daily intake. The veteran nutritionist advised that human body did not need sugar. She advised to avoid sugar as much as possible.

“As the body produces glucose, it is not advisable to take extra sugar,” she stressed. She also advised to avoid fried foods. According to her, fried food items are the main causes of diseases as they produce trans fatty acid. Consuming refined oil in food also is dangerous, she added. Instead, she said, it is advisable to use oil extracted from crushed oilseeds.

Daily diet comprising cow ghee, dal, groundnut is good. Calcium is also a very important element in boosting immunity. Milk, yogurt, buttermilk are rich sources of calcium. For iron content, people must consume green vegetables and use steel and iron pots. She emphasised that people should stop eating junk food. Consuming food items made at home is the mantra of good lifestyle today, Dr Pendharkar said.