Health authorities emphasize importance of nutrition against COVID-19

COLOMBO (News 1st); Health Authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced diet to combat the adverse effects of the COVID-19 virus. The Ministry of Health has also decided to implement a special program to increase the nutrition of the people in this country in line with December being declared as the month of nutrition. Specialist Dr. Anil Samaranayake, the Director (Nutrition Division) of the Ministry of Health stressed the importance of consuming a variety of foods in a variety of colors. He also emphasized the importance of eating boiled rice with the bran still intact, and the importance of eating at least two fruits and two vegetables per day. Pointing out that it is not a difficult of a task, Dr. Samaranayake stated that anyone can also add fish, eggs or meat to cater to their protein needs. Dr. Samaranayake also added that it is important to limit sugar and sugar substitutes, and emphasized that nutrition is one of the weapons that assist people to fight against COVID-19.