Follow an adequate and balanced diet to strengthen the immune system

Prof. K. Nazan Turhan, Head of Department of Food Engineering, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), reported that there was insufficient evidence that any food or diet could strengthen the immune system and prevent Covid – 19, that an adequate and balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables should be preferred to keep the immune system strong.

Prof. Turhan has been the guest of Pandemic Academy organized by IUE Faculty of Communication as part of Campus Izmir Talks. The program, in which Prof. Turhan answered the questions of Prof. Ebru Uzunoğlu, Dean of IUE Faculty of Communication, can be watched on IUE’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL89y6orPTE) . 

Emphasizing that people should not be getting more than the energy that the body needs in this period of time being confined to homes due to coronavirus, Prof. Turhan said, “Getting essential nutrients in terms of vitamins and minerals is important for maintaining the normal function of our health and immunity. On the other hand, there is no health statement that any dietary supplement strengthens our immune system and prevents or treats viral infections.”

Noting that no chemicals should be used in the cleaning of fresh vegetables and fruits, which is very harmful for health, Prof. Turhan said, “Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Do not use any chemicals. There is no scientific study about the benefit of soaking in vinegar or carbonated water. Water is the healthiest cleaner.”