Eating This Way Makes You 39% Less Likely to Get COVID, Studies Show

“Our results suggest that a plant-based diet and mainly vegetarian diet may be considered for protection against infection with COVID-19,” the researchers concluded.“

A new study published in the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health journal suggests following a vegetarian or plant-based diet may help lower the risk of COVID-19 infection.

The study, conducted by researchers in Brazil, looked at 702 participants who provided information on their dietary habits and COVID-19 outcomes between March and July 2022.

Participants were divided into an omnivore group (424 people) who consumed animal products, and a plant-based group (278 people), which included vegetarians and flexitarians who eat meat no more than 3 times per week.

Lower Risk of COVID-19 for Plant-Based Eaters

After adjusting for other factors like BMI and pre-existing conditions, the analysis found the plant-based and vegetarian groups had a 39% lower risk of getting COVID-19 compared to the omnivore group.

The vegetarian participants specifically had higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts and lower intakes of dairy and meat.

This adds to a growing body of evidence that plant-based diets may offer protective benefits against COVID-19. Last year, a study of healthcare workers in 6 countries found those who ate plant-based had lower risks of moderate-to-severe COVID-19 infection. Another study linked healthy plant-based eating patterns to reduced COVID-19 severity.

Vegetarian Recipes

For those looking to explore more plant-based recipes, try this easy and protein-packed vegetarian chili:

The Best Vegetarian Chili (Easy Vegan Recipe)

This vegetarian chili is easy to make in one pot, packed with veggies, beans, and a simple chili spice blend. It’s a cozy, comforting meal perfect for chilly nights!

The immune-boosting benefits of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes may help explain why vegetarian eating patterns seem protective against COVID-19. These foods provide antioxidants, phytochemicals, and nutrients that support immune function.

Including a variety of plant-based recipes in your daily meals not only makes your food tasty but also brings a bunch of health perks. These recipes are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help keep your heart healthy, and boost your immune system.

For more nourishing plant-based meal ideas, try this vegetarian Thai curry loaded with veggies:

Easy Vegetable Thai Yellow Curry – Vegetarian Recipe

Yellow curry paste infuses this hearty veggie Thai curry with incredible flavor. It’s healthy, vegan comfort food at its finest!

This new research gives us one more reason to fill our plates with health-protective fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, and other nourishing plant foods. Aim for a balanced plate with produce, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy plant oils. Limit sweets, salt, processed foods, and saturated fats. Doing so just might help lower your COVID-19 risk based on this study.