Covid-19 – veggie diets protect
Another study has found that a vegetarian diet is linked to a lower risk of catching Covid-19. This study looked at 424 meat-eaters and 278 vegetarians in Brazil during the third Covid-19 wave, March to July, 2022. They found that even after accounting for important variables such as physical activity, BMI and pre-existing conditions, vegetarians had a lower incidence of Covid-19. Those who reported following plant-based or vegetarian diets ate more vegetables, pulses and nuts. This adds to several other studies suggesting a plant-based diet protects against both catching Covid-19 and suffering severely in those who do get it.
Acosta-Navarro JC, Dias LF, de Gouveia LAG et al. 2024. Vegetarian and plant-based diets associated with lower incidence of COVID-19. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health. 7 (1) 4-13.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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