Olive Oil Fuelled Mediterranean Diet May Help Reduce COVID-19 Risk Long Term

Summary

• Adherence to Mediterranean Diet consistently reduced risk for COVID-19 infection says new research.
• Study examines benefits of long-term nutritional strategy to guard against infection risk.
• Anti-inflammatory properties of plant-based foods like extra virgin olive oil plays major part in long term infection prevention.

Contents

1. Mediterranean Food Like Olive Oil Reduce Risk Of Developing COVID-19
2. Antioxidants In Olive Oil And Other Mediterranean Diet Foods Can Reduce Inflammatory Disease
3. How Extra Virgin Olive Oil Combats Infection

Mediterranean Food Like Olive Oil Reduce Risk Of Developing COVID-19

Greater adherence to elements of the Mediterranean diet significantly reduced the risk for developing of COVID-19, according to recent research.

A recent study from the University of São Paulo, as reported in Healio.com, revealed individuals who follow a plant-based or vegetarian diet are less likely to contract COVID-19 compared with those who follow an omnivorous diet.

“Our results suggest that a plant-based diet and mainly vegetarian diet may be considered for protection against infection with COVID-19,” Júlio César Acosta-Navarro, MD, PhD, Hospital das Clínicas FMUSP, University of São Paulo, and colleagues wrote.

In an observational study, Acosta-Navarro and colleagues assessed the dietary patterns of 702 individuals (mean age, 36.9 years; 80.5% women; 65.2% white) between March and July 2022, including 424 individuals who consumed an omnivorous diet and 278 who consumed a plant-based diet, to see how this factor is related to COVID-19 incidence, severity and duration.

Compared with a plant-based diet, more individuals consuming an omnivorous diet had pre-existing medical conditions (P = .017), a lower rate of physical activity (P = .01) and a BMI that signalled overweight or obesity (P = .001).

Researchers found a greater consumption of vegetables, legumes and nuts among individuals following a plant-based or vegetarian diet vs. an omnivorous diet. These individuals also ate fewer foods categorized as dairy and meat.

Around half of the total cohort (47%; n = 330) contracted COVID-19, and more individuals from the omnivorous group received this diagnosis compared with the plant-based diet group (51.6% vs. 40%).

Between the two groups, moderate-severe COVID-19 was found in a higher percentage of those following an omnivorous diet (17.7% vs. 11.2%).

According to researchers, COVID-19 duration was similar in both diet groups.

Antioxidants In Olive Oil And Other Mediterranean Diet Foods Can Reduce Inflammatory Disease

Ceria Halim, MD, from the University of North Sumatra in Indonesia, and colleagues explained that the Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants and has been known to benefit those with disorders tied to low-grade inflammation.

“This has led to the growing proposition of the protective effects of Mediterranean diet towards COVID-19,” they wrote in PLoS One.

As Healio reports:

The researchers added that the anti-inflammatory properties of these foods explain their beneficial effects on COVID-19 infection and severity. For example, “the presence of flavonoids, an antiviral and immunostimulatory compounds, linked fruit consumption to a reduced risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection,” they wrote.

Three of four studies that examined COVID-19 symptoms reported insignificant associations. The study with significant results found that higher Mediterranean diet adherence decreased the odds of symptoms like fever, cough and vomiting, with ORs for each symptom ranging between 0.06 to 0.34.

Halim and colleagues noted that two of the three studies that assessed COVID-19 severity and diet adherence reported inconclusive findings.

Researchers noted several study limitations, including the overall number of studies in the analysis and self-reporting of Mediterranean diet adherence in all the included studies. Meanwhile, they added the magnitude of effects could not be precisely measured because of the lack of a meta-analysis.

They ultimately concluded that although the results provide insight into the impact diet may have on developing COVID-19, they wrote that “more studies should be conducted before definitive conclusions can be drawn.”

How Extra Virgin Olive Oil Combats Infection

One of the standout features of Extra Virgin Olive Oil is its ability to fight infections. This ability stems from its rich polyphenol content. These powerful compounds have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria and viruses.

Antimicrobial Properties

The antimicrobial properties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil make it effective in combating a wide range of pathogens. Studies have shown that polyphenols in EVOO can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This makes it a valuable addition to your diet, especially during cold and flu seasons.

Boosting Your Immune System

Extra virgin olive oil doesn’t just fight off existing infections; it helps prevent them. The polyphenols in EVOO boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. These cells are your body’s first line of defence against infections. By consuming EVOO regularly, you’re essentially fortifying your body’s natural defences.

Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection. However, chronic inflammation can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. The polyphenols in EVOO have strong anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation, they help your immune system function more efficiently.

Protecting Against Bacteria

Bacterial infections are a common health issue that can range from mild to severe. The good news is that the polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil have potent antibacterial properties.

Fighting Harmful Bacteria

Polyphenols in EVOO have been proven effective against a variety of harmful bacteria. For instance, studies have shown that these compounds can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to stomach ulcers and cancer. This makes EVOO a valuable addition to your diet if you’re looking to protect your gut health.

Enhancing Gut Health

A healthy gut is crucial for a robust immune system. The polyphenols in EVOO promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while inhibiting harmful ones. This helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for overall health. A balanced gut microbiome not only aids digestion but also enhances your body’s ability to fight off infections.

Preventing Bacterial Resistance

One of the growing concerns in modern medicine is bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of resistant bacteria, making infections harder to treat. The polyphenols in EVOO offer a natural way to combat bacteria without contributing to resistance. This makes it a safer, more sustainable option for long-term health.