The online magazine Olimerca has spread the word on extra
virgin olive oil’s properties for fighting the risk of infection from the
COVID-19 virus. Thanks to its properties, extra virgin olive oil helps fight
bacterial and viral infections of all kinds, including the infection caused by
the coronavirus. The article also discusses the Mediterranean diet and its
importance for keeping the immune system alert to possible infections.
The full Olimerca article can be
accessed below.
Olive oil strengthens the immune system against viruses
The pandemic affecting the entire world, caused by COVID-19, can lead, in the
short term, to other consequences in the health of people who are forced to
stay confined to their homes. According to multiple analyses conducted by a
number of consultants, it has been observed that in the last few days, the
household consumption of precooked meals, processed food and similar products
has skyrocketed in supermarkets, to the detriment of fresh vegetable products,
legumes, etc.
This nutritional change, added to a lack of physical exercise and a compulsive
increase in the number of meals each day, will cause problems for the at-risk
individuals who already suffer from underlying illnesses.
In this context, various researchers would like to send the whole population a warning call so throughout these days of confinement, we make an effort to eat healthily and follow the so-called Mediterranean diet, in which extra virgin olive oil stands out for its numerous properties.
Immunology professor José Juan Gaforio, from the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Jaén (UJA), acknowledges that among the many benefits extra virgin olive oil provides, it is a perfect ally against bacterial and viral infections, since it increases the quantity of cells which participate in our body’s defensive process and thus gives us greater resistance to external pathogenic agents.
Gaforia explained to Olimarca: “Good nutrition can help improve the immune system, enabling it to defend itself against different viruses. And the Mediterranean diet is your greatest ally if you want your metabolism to be capable of fighting infections in general.”
Healthy cooking with vegetables
The series of foods most recommended for reinforcing the immune system and preventing infections includes preferably dark vegetables like broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, peas, carrots, squash and beets, as well as fruits like blueberries, blackberries, kiwis, oranges, papaya, pomegranate, mango, avocado and strawberries, without forgetting citruses rich in vitamin C to create a healthy immune environment.
Other items on the list include nuts, blue fish (mackerel, sardines, swordfish, anchovies), in addition to red meat (veal, beef, lamb …) rich in iron and B-group vitamins.
Finally, it must be remembered that a deficit in vitamin B would be a problem in situations of infection and would also affect the neurological system. Poultry meat is also recommended, as are eggs in all their forms, since they are proteins of high biological value with amino acids necessary for immunity.
Now is a good time for all consumers to take care of themselves with the Mediterranean diet and, above all, with extra virgin olive oil.
For more information:
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/5/917
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/8/5/137
