Do vegans have a stronger defense vs Covid-19?
The WHO recommended a balanced diet to fortify the body’s immune system versus the COVID-19 outbreak. It specifically mentioned to eat “a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods”. In order to derive a substantial amount of the right nutrients, there is a need to source them from whole foods including fish, eggs, and milk.
The survey is out! Vegetarians might be at lower risk of contracting coronavirus. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India in its latest survey found that there is evidence about the benefits of vegetarianism. A study in 2016 suggests that vegetarians in general have lower rates of viral diseases.
Going plant-based
Any way you look at it, vegan diets are associated with better overall cardiovascular health. Another review published by JAMA Internal Medicine has found indications that a plant-based diet was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures compared to omnivorous diets. An interesting observation is diets considered vegetarian may help prevent and treat asthma.
The World Health Organization recommended a balanced diet to fortify the body’s immune system versus the Covid-19 outbreak. It specifically mentioned to eat “a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods.” In order to derive a substantial amount of the right nutrients, there is a need to source them from whole foods including fish, eggs and milk.
What’s the difference?
Veganism avoids all animal products including clothing, while plant-based usually refers to diet alone. One thing is for certain: both vegans and plant-based dieters eat mainly plant foods. They might eat some processed foods and meat substitutes. And both types are motivated to adopt this lifestyle for health reasons.
Benefits:
• Protection against cardiovascular disease
• Lower risk for diabetes and obesity/metabolic syndrome
If you are on a strict plant-based diet, be aware of the following deficiencies:
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B-12
• Protein
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Iron
• Calcium
• Zinc
• Iodine
However, some vegetarians exclude meat but will include honey, eggs and dairy foods in their diet. Within the realm of vegetarianism are: Pescetarians who eat fish
Raw vegan on an exclusive raw-food regimen
Pegan, a combination of vegan and paleo, minimal animal products, grains and beans, restricted sugars and processed foods
• Flexitarian, semi-vegetarian with a diet that includes fish and mean but primarily vegetables
Environmental impact
By eating a plant-based diet, the world could stand to benefit through:
• Decrease of global nitrogen fertilizer which pollutes water
• Less risk to agricultural land
• Lowered greenhouse emissions
Affirmation: “I will go green in 2021.”
Love and light!