Health and family
Many foods that offer benefits for the immune system are grown in Guatemala and can easily acquire in local markets or supermarkets.
Nutrition experts recommend including fruits and vegetables in daily food to strengthen defenses. (Free Press Photo: Shuttersock)
He Immune system He is in charge of defending the body against infections and diseases.
In order for this function to fulfill it is necessary to strengthen it through adequate diet, regular exercise, repair and sufficient sleep; and one adequate vaccination Against certain viruses.
As for food, nutritionist Evelyn Paniagua says that a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is important to strengthen the immune system constantly.
Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, legumes, integral grains and food containing vitamins TOB, C, D and AND They are ideal to give immunity to the organism.
Paniagua recommends including the following foods, which are grown in Guatemala, in our daily diet to maintain a healthy and strong body in the face of diseases or threats:
- Spinach: They are dark green leaves that are grown throughout the year in places like Chimaltenango, Quetzaltenango and Sacatepéquez. They are rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, vitamin C and flavonoids, which help protect body cells and strengthen the immune system.
- Broccoli: It is cultivated especially in the Guatemala Altiplano area. Its benefits include: it reduces inflammation, improves blood sugar control, reinforces immunity and promotes heart health.
- Oranges: According to the Ministry of Agriculture, orange is one of the main fruits cultivated in different departments of the country. Due to its richness in vitamin C it is an ideal food to prevent colds and diseases.
- Limones: It is grown in departments such as Escuintla and Santa Rosa. One of its main characteristics is its high vitamin C and antioxidant content.
- Strawberries: They are cultivated especially in Chimaltenango and other places in the central highlands. It contains vitamin C and offers multiple health benefits, from cardiovascular health to skin and brain health.
- Beans: It is one of the basic crops for the Guatemalan diet. It is a food that helps with blood sugar control, cardiovascular disease prevention and digestion improvement.
- Garlic: It is cultivated in cold -tempered climate areas. At the immune level, garlic helps to fight infections and diseases.
- Onion: Guatemala is the main producer of onion at the Central American level. Its consumption helps improve digestion, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, in addition to preventing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Lentils: Although it is not cultivated as much as other foods, lentils are an important source of production and consumption in rural areas. Because their high iron content is ideal for strengthening the body.
- Chickpeas: They are cultivated especially in the highlands and dry corridor of Guatemala. They are a good source of plant proteins, fiber, vitamins and essential minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which are important for bone, muscular and immune health health.
Paniagua recalls that in addition to good diet, it is also important to maintain healthy habits such as good hygiene, constant exercise, sleep properly to achieve a repair dream and avoid high levels of stress to help have a healthy immune system.