Consumption
of fresh fruits and vegetables for people suffering from colds
A
nutrition expert at the Kermanshah Health Center recommended the consumption of
fresh fruits and vegetables for people suffering from colds. Mohammad Saeed
Gholami, in an interview with ISNA, referring to the prevalence of diseases
such as colds this season, said: Those who are infected with colds, COVID-19,
etc., if they do not have gastrointestinal symptoms, not only are there no
restrictions on consuming various fruits and vegetables, but also the
consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, due to the minerals and vitamins
they contain, is very effective in their recovery process. He continued: Only
people with gastrointestinal symptoms should limit the consumption of raw
fruits and vegetables until these symptoms improve. This nutrition expert
recommended fruits and vegetables that are sources of vitamins A and C and
added: Bananas, persimmons, and cantaloupe are rich sources of vitamin A, and
citrus fruits and kiwis are also rich
sources
of vitamin C. Gholami, advising the consumption of green leafy vegetables to
people with colds, reminded: Bell peppers, especially the colored varieties,
are also an important source of vitamin C. In addition, the consumption of carrots,
pumpkins, and other orange vegetables is also recommended. He pointed out:
Omega-3 consumption is beneficial for people with colds, and nuts, especially
walnuts, as well as cold-water fish, are rich sources of it. In addition, these
people should include sources of zinc, including meats, sprouts, and seafood,
in their diet. The nutrition expert of Kermanshah Health Center, pointing out
that vitamin D consumption is suitable for people with colds, especially
COVID-19, emphasized: Vitamin D does not have many sources, and it is better
for people to use its supplement. He also emphasized the need to use protein
sources in people with colds and continued: These people should use various
lean meats, eggs, and soy. This nutrition expert also mentioned the importance
of fluid intake in people with colds and said: Hydrating foods, water, natural
fruit juice, low-salt yogurt drink (Doogh), and weak tea are suitable for these
people. Gholami did not consider the consumption of fried, spicy, and seasoned
foods suitable for people with colds and added: These people should avoid
consuming heavy and hard-to-digest foods such as heavy Ash (a thick Iranian
soup), pizza, macaroni, etc., and replace them with various light Ash and
soups. In addition, they should definitely add fresh vegetables to their Ash
and soups. He stated: For those who have colds and respiratory problems, milk
consumption is not recommended, but the consumption of other dairy products
such as Doogh and low-salt yogurt is not harmful. The nutrition expert of
Kermanshah Health Center advised people with colds to limit the consumption of
caffeinated foods such as strong tea, coffee, and soda.
Nutrition
is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to
improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer
pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as
diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and longevity. Healthy children learn
better. People with adequate nutrition are more productive and can create
opportunities to gradually break the cycles of poverty and hunger.
Malnutrition, in every form, presents significant threats to human health.
Today the world faces a double burden of malnutrition that includes both
undernutrition and overweight, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
There are multiple forms of malnutrition, including undernutrition (wasting or
stunting), inadequate vitamins or minerals, overweight, obesity, and resulting
diet-related noncommunicable diseases. The developmental, economic, social, and
medical impacts of the global burden of malnutrition are serious and lasting
for individuals and their families, for communities and for countries.