Why Vegans, Vegetarians Have Lower Risk of Contracting COVID-19? Benefits of Plant-Based Diet Explained

Vegans and vegetarians are unlikely to contract COVID-19. Experts found that their plant-based diet contributed to their extra layer of protection from the virus.

Plant-Based Diet Lowers Risk of COVID-19

A diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains is advised by the World Health Organization to strengthen immunity and reduce the risk of infection, as numerous studies have linked poor food quality to COVID-19. One study examined the influence of a plant-based diet on the risk of COVID-19 infection.

Between March and July 2022, the University of Sao Paulo team recruited 702 adult volunteers to further their research. The participants were questioned about their lifestyle, medical history, vaccines, dietary habits, and food group frequency.

Out of the total number of individuals, 330 reported having suffered from SARS-CoV-2, with 15% displaying moderate to severe symptoms. Compared to individuals following an omnivorous diet, those following a plant-based or vegetarian diet had a 39 percent decreased risk of contracting COVID-19 after controlling for confounding risk factors such as BMI, physical activity, and pre-existing medical illnesses.

According to the study's authors, the intensity or length of the patients' infections did not correlate with their diets. The scientists speculate that the amount of compounds obtained from plants may cause this variation in infection risk.

"Plant-based dietary patterns are rich in antioxidants, phytosterols and polyphenols, which positively affect several cell types implicated in the immune function and exhibit direct antiviral properties," the authors wrote.

However, Margaret Rayman, a professor of Nutritional Medicine at the U.K.'s University of Surrey, disagrees with the recommendations to practice plant-based recommendations, and there is no substantial evidence for the recommendations concerning COVID-10 infection for the heron. For her, following a vegetarian diet would be limiting, especially for those who have higher nutritional needs, like pregnant women.

"Furthermore, I disagree that 'predominantly plant-based diets provide more nutrients that boost the immune system and help to fight viral infections.' In fact, the opposite is the case," she added.

Benefits of Plant-Based Diet

Whether you follow a plant-based diet to avoid COVID-19 infection or not, there are other reasons why consuming plants and vegetables is a healthy option.

Here are five reasons why a plant-based diet is highly recommended.

It supports the immune system

Essential nutrients found in plants are not found in other foods. Your body's equilibrium and the health of your cells are maintained by the vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants found in plants, which enhance the effectiveness of your immune system.

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Plant foods reduce inflammation

The vital nutrients present in plants help reduce inflammation in the body. The same micronutrients and antioxidants that strengthen your immune system also work throughout your body to eliminate toxins from processed foods, pollution, bacteria, viruses, and other sources.

A plant-based diet helps maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most crucial things you can do to lower your cancer risk. This is because being overweight leads to hormonal imbalances and inflammation. Obesity and excess weight increase the incidence of twelve different malignancies, including colonic, postmenopausal, uterine, esophageal, kidney, and pancreatic cancers.

Plants are high in fiber

All unprocessed plant foods contain fiber. It gives the plant its structure, and eating more of it opens up a world of health benefits.

Consuming plant-based foods helps to heal your gut, making it easier for you to absorb the nutrients in food that boost your immune system and lower inflammation. Fiber is excellent for maintaining healthy bowel habits, balancing blood sugar, and decreasing cholesterol.

A plant-based diet reduces your risk for other diseases, too

Eating largely plant-based foods has advantages beyond lowering your risk of cancer. It has also been demonstrated that a plant-based diet lowers the chance of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some mental health conditions.