COVID is still with us but after most of us had borne the brunt of an infection we all started to change our perception of health and well-being. That COVID-19 pandemic which started in 2019 has had a significant impact on all aspects of our lives, including our perception of nutrition. With the virus still affecting millions of people worldwide, many individuals have turned to nutrition as a way to boost their immune systems and protect themselves from illness. In this essay, we will explore how COVID-19 has changed our perception of nutrition.
Science has established a very strong link between health and the food we eat. We’ve known it for millenia but in the last 250 years we’ve made great strides to understand the role of nutrition and its general impact on our longevity and useful active life. I know that if I reduce my salt consumption by say half from 10 to 5 grams per day, I would most likely reduce my overall chances of having a stroke by 23% and of cardiovascular disease by 17% (WHO Europe, 2011). The World Cancer Research Fund reported on their web-site how a third of the most frequent cancers could simply be prevented through nutritional intervention is the developed countries and by a quarter in those that are developing. A third example is from Tufts University in the USA who reported in 2019 that 3 million deaths in the world are attributable to not enough consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. They looked at 82% of the global population to come up with that figure. We haven’t even broached diabetes and obesity in this brief assessment but all these are ‘epidemics’ which could be reduced if not avoided simply by raising our game on better nutrition.
So what of the overlayer of the COVID pandemic on our perception now?
Firstly, COVID-19 has brought attention to the importance of a healthy and balanced diet. Many individuals have realized that maintaining a nutritious diet is key to overall health and well-being, especially during a pandemic. A healthy diet helps to strengthen the immune system, making it more resistant to infection. This has led to an increased interest in whole foods and a move away from processed foods, as people seek to consume more natural and nutrient-dense foods.
Secondly, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of consuming adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system, and deficiencies can weaken the body’s ability to fight off infections. As a result, many individuals have begun to pay closer attention to their nutrient intake, with a particular focus on vitamins C and D, zinc, and selenium, which are known to boost immunity.
Thirdly, the pandemic has led to an increased awareness of the impact of diet on chronic diseases. Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 symptoms. As a result, many individuals have started to pay closer attention to their diets, with a particular focus on reducing the consumption of sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed foods. This shift towards a healthier diet has the potential to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Fourthly, COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of food safety and hygiene. The pandemic has brought to light the risks associated with poor food hygiene practices, such as contamination with harmful pathogens. As a result, individuals have become more aware of the need to wash hands, cook food thoroughly, and avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen. This increased awareness of food safety has the potential to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and improve overall health outcomes.
Fifthly, the pandemic has resulted in changes to our eating habits. With many individuals working from home and spending more time indoors, there has been a shift towards more home-cooked meals and a reduction in eating out. This has led to an increased interest in meal planning, cooking, and recipe sharing, as individuals seek to create healthy and nutritious meals at home. Additionally, the pandemic has led to an increased interest in alternative diets, such as plant-based diets, as individuals seek to improve their health and reduce their environmental impact.
Lastly, COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of mental health and its relationship with nutrition. The pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, with many individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health, and deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, can contribute to poor mental health outcomes. As a result, there has been an increased interest in the role of nutrition in mental health, with a focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods.
To end this piece, COVID-19 has truly had a significant impact on our perception of nutrition. The pandemic has brought attention to the importance of a healthy and balanced diet, the need to consume adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals, and the impact of diet on chronic diseases. Additionally, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of food safety and hygiene, changes to our eating habits, and the relationship between nutrition and mental health. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, it is important to maintain a focus on nutrition and its role in supporting overall health and well.
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