Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 09:15 [IST]

Last Update: Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 03:45 [IST]

HMPV & DRAGON FRUIT AS IMMUNITY BOOSTER

Dr. BHASKAR CHAKRABORTY Professor of Chemistry Sikkim Government College (NBBGC) An Extension Centr

What is HMPV and why do we need to be careful?

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a part of the Pneumoviridae family. It is a respiratory virus that causes illnesses ranging from mild colds to severe lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Though less recognized than the flu or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), HMPV is a significant cause of respiratory illnesses worldwide. HMPV is a common virus that usually causes symptoms which are similar to a cold and cough (common flu type) and happens in winter as well as in rainy seasons. In majority of the cases we used to feel better at home in a few days (3-7 days) and go away on their own. HMPV can cause serious complications if we are older (more than 55 years) and do have chronic bronchitis, Pneumonia, hypertensions and high blood sugar. Treatment for HMPV is primarily supportive, focusing on symptom management. Mild cases generally require rest, hydration and over-the-counter medications for symptomatic relief from cold cough, headache and fever.  Antibiotics are not effective against HMPV because it is caused by a virus, not bacteria. If symptoms are severe, especially in high-risk individuals, they need medical attention promptly like consultation with a physician or hospitalization.

How strong immune system can help us to fight against viruses

A strong immune system helps our body fight off sickness and disease, including chronic diseases and cancer. When our immune system is healthy, we are better prepared to defend ourselves from threats like viruses, bacteria and parasites. To maintain a strong immune system in our body we should eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly and most importantly should not smoke as our lungs will be affected badly. Regular intake of Vitamin C, E and D plays significant roles in boosting our immune systems which are primarily available in citrus fruits. Here comes “Dragon fruit” which has these vitamins in plenty in addition to many important minerals and fibers.

Dragon fruit & immunity

Dragon fruit is a tasty tropical fruit that grows on a climbing cactus called hylocereus. The plant’s name comes from the Greek word "hyle," which means woody, and the Latin word "cereus," which means waxen. The cactus originally grew in southern Mexico and South and Central America. Nowadays, almost majority of countries have their own cultivated “Dragon fruits” including our country.  In our country, 70% of “Dragon fruits” are obtained from Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh though our country imports this fruit from Vietnam and Sri Lanka in order to manage the market flow.  The fruit looks like a hot pink or yellow bulb with spike-like green leaves shooting up like flames around it. When we cut it, we find fleshy white, pink, red, or purple pulp dotted with black seeds that are good to eat. It looks something like the inside of a kiwi fruit. Though this fruit is known as “Dragon fruit” but in ancient India this fruit was known as “Kamalam” after the Sanskrit name for lotus. Dragon fruit is juicy with a slightly sweet taste that some describe as a cross between a kiwi, a pear and a watermelon. The seeds have a nutty flavor. Dragon fruit comes in a variety of colors. The major species have a red or pink peel or, less commonly, a yellow peel. The pulp inside can be red or white.

Consuming of dragon fruits not only provides high amount of “Vitamin C” but also high amount of antioxidants and other phytonutrients which give significant effect in supporting immune system function. Eating of dragon fruits scavenges free radicals and fight against diseases like “Cancer”,

help prevent oxidative damage. It’s rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acid, and betacyanin and many important minerals protect our cells from damage by free radical molecules that can lead to diseases such as cancer and premature aging. It also ease constipation. Dragon fruit is an excellent source of fiber, which can soften stools and help us poop and thus it can work as a mild laxative. Dragon fruit helps in weight management. It’s naturally high in fiber and low in calories helps us for weight management.  High-fiber foods make good snacks because they can help keep us full for longer between meals. Dragon fruit plays significant role in lowering blood sugar levels and helps in regenerating damaged cells in the pancreas, which makes insulin, the hormone that helps our body manage blood sugar.  It also improves our gut health because it contains “Probiotics”, which are fibers that feed the healthy bacteria called probiotics in our gut. Having more probiotics in our system can improve the balance of good to bad bacteria in our intestines. Specifically, dragon fruit boosts the growth of the probiotics “Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria”. In our gut they are helpful bacteria which can help our fight off disease causing viruses and bacteria. They also help in digesting food and strengthen our immune system. Dragon fruit also helps in lowering inflammation. Research studies suggest that compounds in the pulp and peel of dragon fruit might lower inflammation, which plays a role in many diseases. It boosts iron levels and increase iron absorption in our body.  Iron is important for moving oxygen through our body and giving us energy and dragon fruit has  iron content. Dragon fruit improves skin health as it is rich in vitamin C which is important in making collagen, the protein that helps keep our skin firm. The antioxidant activity of vitamin C might also help limit sun damage to our skin.

So, in order to fight against viral diseases, “Dragon fruit”, the multibenifitted fruit can play a major role in addition to the daily routine of healthy life style. It's rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acid, and betacyanin augmented with Vitamin C are the key ingredients for our boosting our immunity. To some extent, Papaya may be considered as a substitute for dragon fruit but not as immunity booster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi