. The expert panel was holding discussions at the second edition of the
series themed - Building Immunity Through Nutritious Food During Covid-19
· The present pandemic has brought the focus
back on the role of vitamins as part of nutrition going beyond popular proteins
and carbohydrates
· Local
traditional Indian foods, a balanced diet, supplemented with natural herbs are
a potent combination to avert threat from the deadly virus
The Associated Chambers
of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), one of the apex trade
associations of India concluded the second edition of the ‘Illness to Wellness’
series themed ‘Building immunity through nutritious food during COVID-19’
with Dr. Shikha Sharma, founder and managing director of
Dr. Shikha’s NutriHealth, being invited to be the cardinal
speaker and Ms Sangeeta Narayan, nutrition educator and
wellness consultant, acting as the moderator.
Supported by the hygiene
brand SAVLON, the programme which promotes healthy living with focus on
wellness and preventive health through healthy habits, diet, exercise, and
holistic health saw the speakers stress on the importance of nutrition in the
battle against COVID-19. The coronavirus, a highly communicable disease that
originated from
Highlighting the need for
inclusion of vitamins and minerals in our diet through nutritious food, Dr.
Shikha Sharma said, “There are several foods which are rich in natural
minerals and nutrients but we destroy their nutritional value in the course of
our cooking and consumption practices. An example is wheat which in its
original form is dalia, it has important minerals like phosphorus
but in our strange wisdom we powder it into a refined maida which
is nothing but starch and increases weight and risk of diabetes.” She then went
on to name traditional food items like barley, channa, sattu, seeds — pumpkin,
sunflower, chia and flax along with others that can be included in diets for a nutrition
boost across all age groups.
She also enlisted several
Ayurvedic herbs that can be used to boost immunity and create an all-rounded
diet. “Aswagandha is a very powerful herb that can be given to both
seniors and children. It builds the body’s immunity and reduces stress. Giloy
purifies the blood and keeps the pH intact,” she said. She later added tulsi
and turmeric to the list.
Dismissing the need for a
protein or carbohydrate rich diet, she stressed the importance of a balanced
diet with ample supply of essential fatty acids, protein and carbs found
through local traditional grains, millets, pulses, dairy products and greens.
She said, “The beauty of Indian traditions during COVID times is that we need
the support of this amazing knowledge of Indian Ayurveda and traditions to beat
it.”
The coronavirus has
specifically turned fatal for individuals with existing comorbidities, for such
cases, Dr. Sharma emphasised that their first course of action needs to address
their issues through long-term preventive measures such as exercising, avoiding
sugar and a maintaining a balanced diet.
Mr Anil Rajput,
Chairman, ASSOCHAM CSR Council, weighing
in on the economic and personal effect of coronavirus said, “COVID-19 has had
de-stabilizing effect on almost all walks of life for almost 5 months now.
Right now, from nations to societies to economies to health of individuals, it
has been an extremely stressful period for all. It has forced on us an
unprecedented situation. One has taken quite a bit of time for us to understand
the magnitude and painful reality of how slow the recovery is likely to be. It
is the individual who has been at the centre of all-round anxiety and
insecurity be at economic or personal health front level.”
Ms Sangeeta Narayan commenting on mental health and importance of
a proper diet said, “Stress plays a very important part in mental health
considering the current times. With everything changing, we have to be
adaptive. The first and foremost thing is to have a proper 6-8 hour sleep, plan
your day in advance, doing all the chores can be overwhelming so allocate tasks
for each day whether living with a family or alone. Add fruits or food items
rich in Vitamin C, they act as a stress buster and immunity booster. Having
proper meals is important especially a nutritious and nourishing breakfast.
Exercising plays a very important role in managing stress and keeping mind clear.”
New Delhi, 8 August 2020