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Atono Tsükrü Kense
Kohima | May 6
While there is no medicine or vaccine for COVID-19, health experts from across the globe have recommended building a ‘good and strong’ immune system to fight against the contagious virus.
The Ministry of AYUSH issued recommended self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting the body’s natural defence system in maintaining optimum health in these times.
To get in-depth knowledge on what the immune system is all about, and how locally available foods can boost the immune system, The Morung Express interacted with two dietitians: Pelekhrienuo Kire Kense, a Dietitian from Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur and Avitoli Yeptho, Consultant Dietician (private practitioner) from Dimapur.
Kense explained that “the immune system is our body’s natural defense system, which defends your body against invaders like bacteria, viruses, parasites, even fungus, all with the potential to make us sick.”
“A healthy immune system protects us by creating a barrier that first stops those invaders, or antigens, from entering the body or destroys them even when they manage to enter” elucidated Kense. She also recommended some locally available foods in everyone’s backyard that can boost the immune system as explained below:
Stinky beans or twisted cluster beans
(Local name- Yongchak)
Commonly known as “Yongchak”, it contains antioxidant (flavonoids) and beta-sitosterol which helps the immune system to function and operate more efficiently. Stinky beans also have several other medicinal properties- lowering cholesterol levels, protect against coronary heart disease, tumour reduction properties and thus potential anticancer activity. It is also a safe and beneficial food item for patients with Hypertension (high blood pressure) and Diabetes Mellitus (high blood sugar), said Kense.
Houttuynia cordata/Fish Mint/Heartleaf/Himalayan Spinach/Heartleaf houttuynia
(Local name- Furo tezhulum, Nokna, Gatha, Yetsü-ye etc.)
In Nagaland, it is commonly used as fresh herbal garnish. Both leaves and tender roots are also consumed as salads or with chutneys. Studies reported several important pharmacological activities of this plant which include anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, antimutagenic, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory activities and latent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Studies related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS- a life-threatening form of pneumonia caused by SARS-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) used Houttunya cordata as one part of the treatment and was found to be helpful as it possesses immunostimulatory effects which has been used to relieve lung-related symptoms.
Basil or Holy Basil
(Local name- Nietso, Rarakhum, Napa etc.)
This aromatic plant has several medicinal properties like lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels, protection against infections and most importantly, improves one’s immunity levels. This herb can be included in your daily diet in fresh and dried form.
Szechuan pepper or Sichuan pepper
(Local name- Mechinga, Mong-mong chang, Ango-thi, Ganya si, Nciangtsi, Muthi tsung etc.)
Szechuan pepper has high levels of zinc and exhibits high antioxidant activities which can strengthen our immune system. It also helps prevent Cardio Vascular Diseases (heart and blood vessel disorders). However, studies revealed that only the dried fruit with a special aroma has edible and medicinal value. Szechuan pepper can be included in your diet in its raw, dried or powdered form.
Spiny Coriander or Eryngium foetidum
(Local name- Burma Dhanya)
Commonly known as “Burma Dhanya” among the Nagas, the plant is used in traditional medicines for fevers and chills, vomiting, diarrhea, for colds and convulsions. The leaves and roots are boiled and the water is consumed for pneumonia, flu, diabetes, constipation, and malaria fever. The aromatic leaves with strong coriander-like scent are used fresh or dried in soup, noodle dishes, and curries, or mixed with other vegetables to make spicy sauces.
Besides, Kense also recommended fermented ‘axone’, a traditional delicacy in Naga cuisine, curd, oranges, lemon, lime, gooseberry or amla, ginger and garlic which are known to have medcnal properties and are known to be strong immune booster.
“With the outbreak of COVID-19 many are finding themselves turning to comfort food instead of reaching out for healthy food options. One should be mindful as this can lead to weight gain and obesity. Building a strong immune system does not happen overnight. Therefore, one should make sure that your daily diet includes antioxidant rich foods and also include variety of food items in the diet. While getting a balance of important nutrients will make sure your immune system stays in good shape” advised Kense.
