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WHO/Europe has published a new guide on how to eat healthily during the COVID-19 self-quarantine. It contains valuable information about nutrition to help keep the immune system strong.

The guidelines published by the Organization’s website has tips for a diet that supports good health while many of us are advised to stay at home and may have less opportunities to consume fresh foods and be physically active.

Even with scarce ingredients, one can continue to eat a healthy diet. In order to support individuals and families in eating healthily during self-quarantine and isolation, the WHO European Office for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has developed a set of general tips, a list of “best food buys”, and a few examples of recipes for inspiration.

The newly published WHO/Europe nutrition guidance explains how to be strategic while buying and using ingredients, and how to follow safe food handling practices and limit salt, sugar and fat intake. The publication also includes a list of food items, including canned products, with high nutritional value which are generally affordable, accessible and have a long shelf-life.

The WHO experts also suggest avoiding alcohol or at least reducing its consumption. “Alcohol is not only a mind-altering and dependence-producing substance, harmful at any level consumed, but it also weakens the immune system. Thus, alcohol use and especially heavy use undermines your body’s ability to cope with infectious disease, including COVID-19,” the guidance reads.