It could significantly reduce your risk.
Recent research suggests that following the Mediterranean diet may help reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, as cases have surged this summer. A review published in PLOS One by Indonesian researchers examined multiple studies and found that the Mediterranean diet—which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts—appeared to lower the likelihood of contracting the virus. According to senior author Andre Siahaan from the University of North Sumatra, the diet’s anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to this reduced risk.
The study reviewed six separate investigations involving over 55,400 participants across five countries, all published between 2020 and 2023. The researchers analyzed data from studies that measured COVID-19 infection through self-reports and antibody tests, and assessed symptom severity based on participants’ recollections. Findings showed that three of the studies indicated a significant association between the Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of infection, while two others did not find a notable effect. The impact on disease severity was less clear, with inconsistent results across the studies.
Dr. Jordi Merino from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research highlighted that the results could have important public health implications, reinforcing the role of optimal nutrition in preventing various diseases. However, the review has limitations, including its reliance on observational studies, which can only show associations rather than prove causation.
Nutritionist Lisa Drayer pointed out that while the findings are intriguing, they do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The studies did not account for other factors like obesity and diabetes, which could influence the results. Additionally, self-reported data on COVID-19 infection may not be entirely accurate, and the studies did not measure participants’ exposure levels to the virus, which is a significant factor in infection risk.
Despite these limitations, the research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that a healthy diet may play a role in reducing disease risk. Nonetheless, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective method for protecting against severe COVID-19 outcomes.
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