Catla, tuna fishfeature in State dietary advisory

Chennai

Both these fish are rich in Omega acids and protein that are essential for developing immunity, according to a food diet protocol put out by the Tamil Nadu Public Health department. According to the dietary protocol supplement, Salmon is also advised for its vitamin B 12 nutrient value, particularly for those recovering from coronavirus.

Among the zinc nutrient items, the diet protocol has named Oyster mushroom, poppy seeds and gingelly seeds to be the main source, advising the same for frequent consumption. Under the special superfoods category, the State food supplementary advisory has named cinnamon and dark grapes for their multivitamin values, essential for regular public and those recovering from COVID. The social media posters developed by the department also features ginger, lemon, kubasura kudineer and nilavembu as the diet weapon for the public to fight coronavirus.

As part of the awareness campaign and to increase the immunity among the public the State has intensified poster campaign and is periodically releasing new protocols for clinical assistance, food and diet practices, said a senior official. The new protocols are periodically publicised in the State social media accounts. Stopcorona webpage is an instant hit and these protocols are periodically updated for the general public to follow. There also clinical protocols regularly updated and revised to help the frontline workers in COVID wards and corona care centres, the official added.

“Food plays a major role in helping the recovery of the patient after the treatment. The drugs are used to arrest the infection spread, but it is the diet and multivitamins that helps the patients to bounce back strongly,” said Dr Ganga Mallan, who specialises in obesity and chest medicine. “During the initial days of treatment, vitamin c and zinc tablets are usually recommended, but for long-term immunity, there is a need for a balanced diet, rich with anti-oxidants and multivitamins,” added Dr Ganga.