Nutritionist shares what to eat to improve your immune system amid COVID-19 threat

It's more important than ever to make sure we're fit and healthy amid the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Luckily, nutritionist Deza Delica Tibayan gave tips on what we should and should not be eating to boost our immune system.

1. Eat your fruits and vegetables

In an episode of "Sumbungan ng Bayan," Tibayan said fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber content.

Dark green and yellow vegetables have a good amount of Vitamin A, while dark green and leafy veggies are high in iron, calcium, and Vitamin C.

So it's a yes for malunggay, kangkong, and saluyot, among others.

2. Stay hydrated

Tibayan stressed that we should be drinking enough water daily.

"Kailangan po nating makainom ng walo hanggang sampung baso kada araw upang makaiwas tayo na ma-dehydrate lalo na po ngayong tag-init," she said.

You can also make fruit shakes or juices like calamansi juice, carrot juice, and mango shake, which have the added bonus of boosting our immunity.

3. Avoid instant or ready-to-eat foods

Tibayan said consuming instant and ready-to-eat foods too often could lead to illnesses like UTI, heart problems, kidney problems, and one of the worst case scenarios, even cancer.

However, this tip is easy to say but harder to do especially since Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine and supplies are hard to come by.

The nutritionist advised to eat them in moderation, and add some organic elements to it.

Mix some malunggay, carrots, or cabbage in your pancit canton, and maybe some patatas and kangkong in your de lata!

"Tayo ay dapat maging malusog upang makaiwas sa anumang sakit," she said.

—JCB, GMA News