Knowledge and awareness on natural dietary immunoboosters to combat Covid 19-A survey

Abstract

A natural immune booster is an additional immunizing agent which helps to increase and sustain the immune response of the body. Circumin is an active compound in turmeric which is a natural antioxidant which is used as an immune booster, antimicrobial, antipathogen and as a detoxifying agent. Pepper contains piperine that has antioxidant potential which will decrease the level of lipid peroxidase and has immunomodulatory activity, it increases macrophage migration index and phagocytic index. The vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Along with natural immune boosters, healthy practices like yoga and meditation will regulate and maintain organ functions, thereby improving our immunity. The main aim of the study is to create an awareness on natural dietary immunoboosters to combat COVID 19. A self structured questionnaire comprising of about 15 questions was prepared and circulated through online based i.e. Google forms. The results were obtained and statistically analyzed through SPSS software. The survey was done on a small scale population comprising 110 participants in which 62 male (56.4%) and 48 female (43.6%) participated. About 95.5% of the population are aware that taking citrus fruits that have vitamin C will boost their immunity but only 4.5% of them are not aware. 80% of the population are aware that green tea is a powerful antioxidant which will help in building immunity but 9.1% were not aware and 10.9% was not sure of the fact. 82.7% of the population are well aware that spinach and other green vegetables have to be cooked as little as possible to retain nutrients present in them but only 10.9% of them were not sure and 6.4% of them were not aware.