One Serving of This Food Can Significantly Increase Your Vitamin D Intake, Researchers Say

Health experts cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure you're getting adequate levels of vitamin D each day. While there aren't many foods that are rich in the vitamin, taking a supplement is a great way to ensure that you achieve the recommended dietary intake and fight off infection.

Mushroom

However, new research funded by The Mushroom Council indicates that one common plant-based food may be able to provide you with your daily needs all on its own. In the journal Food Science & Nutrition, Dr. Victor L. Fulgoni III and Dr. Sanjiv Agarwa modeled the addition of mushrooms to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2016 dietary data. More specifically, they examined a composite of white, crimini, and portabella mushrooms at a 1:1:1 ratio; one scenario including UV-light exposed mushrooms; and finally, one scenario including oyster mushrooms.

Dark chocolate

The chemical compounds in certain foods and beverages may prevent a particular enzyme found in the new coronavirus from carrying out its function. According to a study published in the journal Frontiers, dark chocolate, green tea, and muscadine grapes (a breed that's native to the south) all contain chemical compounds that can bind to and effectively block the function of the protease in SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19. If the protease enzyme is inhibited, the virus can't replicate. The protease inhibitors prevent the virus from forming mature particles.

Green tea

Like dark chocolate, green tea contains chemical compounds that could protect you against COVID-19. It's yet another reason to pour yourself a nice cup of tea!

Muscadine grapes

If you have access to them, Muscadine grapes are another great food to eat during the pandemic. This isn't to say that food and beverages will protect you from COVID-19, but the Frontiers findings may be a catalyst for bigger discoveries to come.

Pumpkin seed milk

This is a pretty specific find, but if you have access to it, pumpkin seed milk could protect your body against COVID-19. The beverage will support your immune system, which could weaken the virus.

Melatonin

When you're aiming to get quality sleep, you may take a melatonin pill about 30 minutes before letting your head hit the pillow. But, have you also considered popping melatonin in an attempt to lessen the severity of COVID-19 symptoms?

Probably not, right? As it turns out, the common supplement used to help many people fall asleep at night can block the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while also increasing the number of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Long story short: The supplement could help your body fight off the virus.