Diet and Coronavirus COVID-19

Diet and Coronavirus COVID-19

Lately, the whole of Greece has been under house arrest. In addition, the new SARS-CoV-2 virus has recently reached the Prefecture of Pella. So now that the virus has arrived at our door, it’s time to see if we can protect ourselves through diet.

EFET recently answered the question: “Can we protect ourselves from dietary supplements or certain foods from the new virus?” Unfortunately the answer is NO. There is no health power that has been confirmed in the international literature to protect us. Dietary supplements also do not appear to be a shield against coronavirus.

To date, the European Food Safety Authority has not approved any health claims or food ingredients that are said to protect against contamination.

And what can we do?

The answer is what we should already be doing. Many nutrients are involved in the normal functioning of the body and the immune system. So the goal is to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts resulting in meeting the needs of copper, folic acid, iron, selenium, zinc, Vitamin A, B6, B12, C and D. So a balanced diet is what is recommended

Obesity and COVID-19

But obesity, diabetes and hypertension have been linked to the new virus. People with the above seem to have a worse outcome in case of infection. So it would be good to focus on dealing with these features.

“We stay home” but without extra pounds

Home restraint can lead to food consumption tends to be above normal. Emotional food intake is also increased. But the point is that by reducing our burning and increasing our calories from sweets, fried foods, pastries, etc., we increase the risk of both obesity and hypertension and diabetes, which have already been mentioned in the new virus.

Dealing with emotional overeating

The next time you have a snack, think! Put yourself in the process of wondering what this food will cause you or what it offers you. Do you really need it? Consuming too much sugar and poor quality fats, all you will gain is extra pounds and nothing more! Protect both your health and your psychology from extra pounds. Try to maintain a schedule in your meals both in time and in the size of your portions. If you want to consume a dessert, you can do it if the amount is small, up to 2-3 times a week and better as a dessert at the main meal. That way you will not have to worry about gaining weight!

Finally, help yourself by using your time constructively. Read a book, study a foreign language online, listen to your favorite music, follow a fitness program on TV. Let us all be patient and this will pass! Good strength to all of us!