Nutraceutical properties of recommended horticultural crops to develop human immune system against COVID-19

Abstract

Scientific reports state that horticultural crops namely fruits, vegetables, spices and medicinal plants play an important role in treating several diseases. They are useful in curing nutrient deficiency diseases. There are several examples available in Ayurvedic literature about the role of different horticultural crops in human diet. Viral infections play an important role in human diseases, and recent outbreaks in the advent of globalization and ease of travel have underscored their prevention as a critical issue in safeguarding public health. The dietary management should be considered in terms of improving immunity and utilizing the anti-viral properties of few nutrients. Eating a low-fat, plant-based vegetarian diet may boost the immune system. Vegetarians have been shown in a few studies to have more effective white blood cells compared to non-vegetarians, because of a higher intake of vitamins and lower intake of fat. This review deals with major recommended horticultural crops in India to immune system against viral diseases particularly, COVID19.