A Mediterranean-style diet, based on the traditional eating habits of people living in the Mediterranean Basin, is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. It has been deemed one of the healthiest ways to eat in the world—a key to improving overall health and staving off chronic conditions. Better health and better eating habits led to better outcomes from COVID-19—but could following a Mediterranean diet help reduce the risk of contracting it? Could this diet help ease the symptoms and severity of COVID-19 once someone had it? Of the six studies, four showed a significant correlation between increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet and reduced COVID-19 risk.
Two studies showed a non-significant association. The study subjects reported how often they ate certain foods. Higher intake of olive oil and fruits and nuts, combined with less red meat and low or moderate alcohol consumption, were found to “lower risk against COVID-19,” the researchers reported.
“Any diet that significantly reduces or eliminates these foods will have a similar effect in improving immune function, supporting healthy blood sugar and blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy gut microbiome, and reducing risk of metabolic syndrome,” said Schoen. Very few highly processed and refined foods (white flours, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and refined fats) Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, and oats Beans and legumes (one serving a day) Healt.