HEALING HYPERFOODS

Move over superfoods, a new group of disease-fighting food heroes has been unleashed – which could help when it comes to COVID-19

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We all know our superfoods – nutritionally dense fruit and veg, which health experts urge us to eat more of. Blueberries, broccoli and green leafy veg are on the list, although there’s no scientifically accepted definition. But a hyperfood is, in effect, a super-superfood. With specific health-assisting or disease attacking properties, they could be used in the fightback against viruses, such as COVID-19, in the future.

Findings from the first phase of the Corona-Al project, conducted by Imperial College London, identified foods containing molecules with antiviral properties. ‘We’re looking for ways to potentially help people when they’ve contracted the virus, reducing either the duration or the severity of the disease,’ says Dr Kirill Veselkov from the Department of Surgery & Cancer at Imperial.

Here are the hyperfoods to try.

Broccoli

It’s chock-full of essential nutrients, such as calcium, iron, vitamins A and K, and folic acid. It’s also one of the most water-rich fruit and vegetables, so is great for hydration and weight loss. ‘Eating foods high in water can help to reduce the energy density of a meal, which may help with weight loss,’ explains nutritionist Rob Hobson. They’re fibre-rich, too, which is good for digestive health. ‘Fibre can also help with satiety,’ says Rob – making you feel full for longer – ‘which may help with weight maintenance.’

Beans