In the midst of the great wave of respiratory virusesit is not strange that we all want to search for the perfect way to prevent COVID-19. Obviously, the best way to do this is vaccination. In Spain, the percentage of people over 65 years of age vaccinated has decreased greatly compared to last year and this is clearly being observed in income. But, beyond this decisive weapon against the virus, there are other extra aids that can give a little more strength to our immune system. One of these aids, according to a new study, is the vegetarian diet or, at least, with a very high amount of vegetables and as little meat as possible.
The investigation has carried it out a team of scientists from the University of Sao Paulo. It has some limitations that we will see later. However, it reinforces something that we could already sense. That a good diet is essential to prevent COVID-19, as well as any other infectious disease. Our immune system benefits from a diet rich in vegetables, legumes and nuts and low in meat, and this is a good example of it.
It is enough to be a flexitarian to stand up to the virus. Although vegetarians and vegans have even better weapons to do it.
Vegetarian diet to prevent COVID-19
This is an observational study that is mainly based on surveys. They have participated in it 702 peoplerecruited between March and July 2022.
All of them were asked a series of questions about their diet, as well as other habits, with special attention to physical exercise. In addition, it was taken into account whether they had contracted COVID-19 and, if so, the severity with which the symptoms had passed.
After surveying the participants about their diet, they were divided into two groups. On the one hand, the omnivores and, on the other, those who ate mainly vegetables. Within this group, in addition, two subgroups were made, one for the flexitarianswho ate less than three servings of meat a week, and another for vegetarians and vegans.
Something striking is that omnivores, in general, reported more previous conditions and sedentary lifestyle, both factors that can increase the likelihood of contracting this and other respiratory viruses. However, to check if diet could prevent COVID-19, this data was separated from the rest and only people with similar characteristics were compared.
The conclusion was that omnivores are more likely to contract COVID-19, as well as experience severe symptoms. Specifically, it was calculated that people who mainly follow a vegetarian diet have 39% less likely to become infected.
What is this all about?
The potential of a vegetarian diet to prevent COVID-19 is not entirely clear, although it is most likely due to the ability of many plant substances to strengthen the immune system. The authors of the research explain it in a statement.
“Plant-based dietary patterns are rich in antioxidants, phytosterols and polyphenols, which positively affect several cell types involved in immune function and exhibit direct antiviral properties.”
In particular, it stands out that many fruits and vegetables have high doses of vitamin C; which, together with D, is essential for strengthen the immune system.
Limitations of the study
The study is observational, so, even knowing the power of these substances to strengthen the immune system, causality cannot be demonstrated beyond chance. On the other hand, the results are self-reported by the volunteers themselves, in some cases from memory of a past time. This requires them to memorize specific data and, on certain occasions, they can give false information without malicious intent.
Therefore, it would be interesting to repeat the research avoiding these limitations. Even so, it is quite clear that a vegetarian diet provides us with many benefits and that, probably, preventing COVID-19 is one of them. This may be a good time to start changing the way we eat.