All of us have become experts by now when it comes to COVID-19 related information. However, there’s always more to know. We know what roles do a mask, social distancing, and strengthening one’s immunity play in the prevention of the infection. However, what if we tell you what you eat can also alter your chances of getting COVID.

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A recent study has found that certain food items have the capacity to reduce the risk of catching the coronavirus while some food items can make you more vulnerable to the infection.

In this article, we will discuss how food impacts your health and COVID and what you should avoid eating in the pandemic.

The researchers from Northwestern University in Chicago studied UK Biobank data to find the link between dietary behaviors from 2006 to 2010 and COVID-19 cases from March through November 2020 in the same people.

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 It was found that certain foods affect the immune system of the people involved in the study.

Food items that increase your chance of getting COVID-19

The study found that processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats were associated with a greater risk of infection. According to the researchers, processed meat or even half a serving of processed meat daily can increase COVID-19 risk by 10%. 

Processed foods have long been considered unhealthy for consumption, apart from making you vulnerable against COVID, this kind of food also leads to weight gain and chronic illnesses. Unhealthy, fried, oily foods are often linked to cardiovascular complications as well.

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Foods like tea, fruits, and red meat, however, make no significant difference in the body’s fight against COVID.

COVID-19 and food

COVID-19 is largely a respiratory illness that causes inflammation in every part of the body over time including the brain. As per the researchers, while there have been no proper data on how certain foods impact COVID-19 risks, but it is believed that the link between nutrition and COVID-19 is about inflammation.