Health minister Vardhan's advice on pollution: Eat carrots, broccoli

 As national capital continues to grapple with severe levels of air pollution, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan took to Twitter to impart some advice on how to counter pollution-related problems.

Vardhan, who is a doctor by profession, suggested eating carrots and food items with high level of antioxidants to combat pollution-related health issues. In a tweet on Monday, Vardhan said oxidative stress triggered by various pollutants has serious negative effects on human health.

"One positive action is to include food items with high level of antioxidants that can neutralise this. Of course, solution lies in exposure prevention and control," he said.

On Sunday, he had tweeted, "Eating carrots helps body get Vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants which protect against night blindness common in India. Carrots also help against or pollution-related harm to health." 

READ: G20: Dr Harsh Vardhan Highlights India's Vision Of Inclusive Health

Pollution level in Delhi peaked to a three-year high on Sunday twithstanding claims of heightened checks and curbs by authorities. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), national capital's 24-hour aver air quality index (AQI) stood at 494 at 4 pm on Sunday, highest since vember 6, 2016 when it was 497. 

All schools up to Class 12 have been closed in National Capital Region till Tuesday due to spike in pollution level.  Delhi government also issued a health advisory and asked people to avoid outdoor activities as much as possible, especially during morning and late evening hours and keep activity levels low.

advisory said air pollution might cause respiratory problems in healthy people on a prolonged exposure and prounced respiratory or or serious illnesses for vulnerable population even on a short exposure. " general public is, refore, advised to avoid outdoor physical activities, especially during morning and late evening hours," it stated.

dos and don'ts asked people to remain indoors and reschedule ir outdoor activities, consult doctors in case of breathlessness, giddiness, cough, chest discomfort or pain and irritation in eyes. Using N95 masks, avoiding heavy traffic and polluted areas, keeping doors and windows closed in morning and late evening were also advised by government.

It also asked people to use public transport, avoid driving two-wheelers and or vehicles, and stop smoking.

READ: Dr Harsh Vardhan Praises Growth At Safdarjung Hospital In Last 5 Years