Author(s): Chinmayee Pattnayak

Abstract:
College students are in that phase of transition where they get independence in many dimensions including choosing their lifestyle, diet and food. Now a days in spite of more inclination towards fast food, junk foods they are very much conscious about their look, physique and fitness. But after the incidence of pandemic COVID-19 immunity is now the major factor and alarming topic of discussion among youngsters too. They are aware of functional foods, antioxidants, wellness designed food, immunity boosting foods etc. Different nutrients like Zinc, Magnesium, Proteins, B vitamins, essential fatty acids play important role in body defensive mechanism; their presence in different types of foods is now creating curiosity among college girls. In rural areas girls are not that much aware about immunity-based foods but their food habits make them unknowingly that much strong enough so that they can face the immunological challenges. lf it will be focused on food security, preserving nutrients for body immunity is also a major factor. Now days the environmental condition, life style, adulteration, malpractices in food sectors compel to think about strong immune - booster foods to combat such situation. So in this review article different studies are recapitulated to assess the knowledge level of college going girls on dietary awareness and defensive or immunity enhancing foods.