Coronavirus prevention: Can Vitamin D-rich foods reduce the risk of severe COVID-19? Here's what you need to know

The benefits of Vitamin D are not unknown to the masses. People have been eating foods packed with this nutrient for eons and are slowly deciphering more about it, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. As of now, while vaccination and practicing COVID appropriate behaviour are the primary ways we can lower the chances of contracting the deadly virus, experts believe Vitamin D rich foods also play an important role in doing the same.

Whether you've dodged COVID-19 or are recovering from it, what you eat plays an important role in preventing future infections as well as reviving your health. Not just that, additionally, the right diet also prevents other ailments and keeps you healthy for longer periods of time.

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that helps boost immunity. When it comes to COVID-19 prevention and lowering risk of severe infections, Studies have suggested that Vitamin D-rich food can prove extremely effective.

Amidst the emergence of new variants and the increase in the rate of transmissibility, it becomes all the more important to protect yourself from the deadly virus. SARs-COV-2 is an infectious respiratory illness that can impact the entire body. Therefore, switching to the right diet plays a crucial role.

In a study conducted by the University of Chicago Medicine, it was found that people who were deficient in Vitamin D were twice more prone to COVID-19 infection than those who had sufficient Vitamin D in their system.

The team of researchers, including Dr David Meltzer, lead author of the study, looked at the data of 489 patients and found that the risk of contracting SARs-COV-2 virus was 1.77 times greater for people with Vitamin D deficiency.

In an interview, Dr. Metzler said that adding vitamin D in the diet is an effective measure against COVID-19. After precautionary measures like wearing masks and maintaining hygiene, he believes intake of Vitamin D supplements is the way to contain COVID.

While Vitamin D-rich foods are said to be effective in preventing COVID-19, it is also known for several other benefits. Some of them are as follows.

- Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, which in turn prevents bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

- It is also known to prevent seasonal depression in people.

- Besides COVID-19, it protects against other illnesses.

- It also reduces the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.