Do you know regular coffee consumption of at least one cup daily can lower the risk of COVID-19 infection?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the most common and practical ways to reduce the risk of getting infected by COVID-19 are wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, and washing and sanitising hands frequently. In fact, the immune system plays a key role in an individual’s susceptibility and response to infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
Coffee contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and "coffee consumption favorably correlates with inflammatory biomarkers" linked to "COVID-19 severity and mortality," study authors wrote. "Taken together, an immunoprotective effect of coffee against COVID-19 is plausible and merits further investigation."
The study was conducted by the researchers from Northwestern Medicine shows drinking coffee offers protection against COVID-19. The study revealed that habitual consumption of one or more cups of coffee a day can lower the risk of COVID-19 infection by nearly 10%, compared to having less than one cup daily or none at all.
The results of the study came after researchers analysed the dietary behaviors records from the UK Biobank of 37,988 people from 2006 to 2010, to see whether those past behaviors had any impact on their risk of getting COVID-19 in 2020, this is before vaccines were available. Coffee was also identified for consideration in the study as it is one of the contributing nutritional factors to immunity, other than tea, vegetables, fruit, fatty fish, processed meat and red meat.
Among the 37,988 participants tested for COVID-19 and included in the study, 17% tested positive.
In the same study, it was also observed that consuming less processed meat and more vegetables could cut down the risk of getting infected by COVID-19. The researchers suggested the consumption of at least 0.67 servings per day of vegetables. The consumption of processed meat as little as 0.43 servings per day was associated with a higher risk of COVID-19. Having been breastfed as a baby reduced the risk by 10% compared to not having been breastfed.
“A person’s nutrition impacts immunity,” said senior author Marilyn Cornelis, associate professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “And the immune system plays a key role in an individual’s susceptibility and response to infectious diseases, including COVID-19.”
Keeping a positive and healthy mindset, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and also getting enough sleep will also enhance our immunity.
Have you had your cup of coffee today?
Research: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/6/2114/htm