The popularity of plant-based living has soared in recent years. From ethical concerns about the treatment of animals and consideration of the wider environmental impact to improved accessibility and people starting to realize that yes, plant-based food can taste good, it’s becoming a viable and even welcome option for a lot of people.
One of the reasons some people choose to go plant-based is because of the potential health benefits. Fruit, vegetables, beans, legumes and nuts have always been one of the best sources of a lot of the vitamins and minerals we need. Meanwhile, eating a lot of meat can increase the levels of salt and fat you consume, which in large amounts can cause all sorts of problems.
Now researchers have even looked at the relationship between a plant-based diet and Covid-19 (https://www.bluezones.com/2022/02/can-a-plant-based-diet-mitigate-the-risk-of-severe-covid-19/#). A good approach to tackling the virus, in addition to preventing it, is to try to treat the underlying conditions that can increase the risk of experiencing a severe outcome if you do contract Covid-19.
For example, high blood pressure, heart disease or other cardiovascular problems can increase the risk of complications from covid, just as they increase your risk of other health problems. A diet aimed at improving cardiovascular health may reduce these risks. Evidence suggests a correlation between people on plant-based diets and good cardiovascular health.
Another risk category for severe Covid is having diabetes. Type 2 diabetes in particular is associated with lifestyle, particularly a poor diet and lack of exercise leading to obesity. Changing your diet is one of the most important ways to either try to avoid developing diabetes or to manage it after diagnosis.
A plant-based diet on its own isn’t the answer to all health problems. You still need to exercise. There are some nutrients that are harder to obtain from plant-based food, so you need to take extra care to make sure your diet is balanced. That’s especially true when you have other health conditions that require you to eat or avoid certain foods (if you’re allergic to soy, nuts and gluten, for example, it becomes a lot harder to live plant-based).
There is enough evidence to suggest that a plant-based diet can have a significant impact on your overall health. It is certainly something worth considering if you are looking to minimize your risk of developing other illnesses.
