Fighting Haze with Fruits
Want to know how to fight the nasty haze without minimizing outdoor activities, staying indoors or wearing a N95 mask?
In this period of haze, it is crucial that our immune system functions optimally. To do that, the immune system requires 2 essential vitamins to maintain and maximize its function. We have listed some fruits that contains these vitamins to give an additional boost to your immune system.
Fighting Haze with Fruits
The first essential vitamin, Vitamin C, helps with tissue growth and repair, and negates the adverse effect of air pollution by neutralizing free radicals. If you have an allergic reaction caused by the haze, the presence of vitamin C will help to disrupt the molecular structure of histamine, a biological substance that causes inflammation.
Increase daily intake of Vitamin C by consuming:
| Excellent Source | Very Good Source | Good Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Plum | Apple |
| Strawberry | Blueberry | Apricot |
| Raspberry | Avocado | |
| Pineapple | Banana | |
| Orange | Pear | |
| Papaya |
The other essential vitamin, Vitamin E, functions as an anti-oxidant that neutralizes free radicals, and as a phytonutrient that repairs damages to lipid layer that exists in the membrane of the cells in our bodies. Hence, it keeps our cells healthy.
Increase daily intake of Vitamin E by consuming:
| Very Good Source | Good Source |
|---|---|
| Tomato | Raspberry |
| kiwi | |
| Avocado | |
| Tomato |
Increasing the Vitamin C and Vitamin E intake will also prevent common cold symptoms, such as runny nose and cough. Drinking more water than you usually would will aid the kidneys in flushing out toxins absorbed through the lungs and skin. It is also advisable to reduce alcohol and coffee intake as these beverages promote fluid loss and cause the body to lose nutrients at a higher pace. If you are experiencing shortness of breath, cough, runny nose and/or dry eyes, do seek medical advice from a doctor.
In the meantime, take care of your health! Prevention is always better than cure!