If you follow online vegan and plant-based groups, you’ll come across a lot of claims around the Coronavirus (i.e., SARS-CoV-2) and COVID-19.
A lot of these claims are baseless and, quite frankly, it’s frustrating to witness how many are willingly abandoning science for conjecture or conspiracies.
In this article, we are going to separate science from fiction. These are not our opinions. This is what the current scientific consensus is on COVID-19.
Myth 1: There wouldn’t be COVID-19 if the whole world was vegan
The novel Coronavirus (i.e., SARS-CoV-2) is believed to have originated in a “wet” animal market in Wuhan, China.
It is reasonable to claim that a vegan world would lead to fewer interactions with animals, which would likely reduce the incidence of zoonotic diseases.
However, the claim that there would be no transfer whatsoever to humans is unfounded. Humans would still have a degree of interaction with the animal kingdom and inevitably be exposed to viruses similar to the novel Coronavirus.
Myth 2: Supplementing Garlic / Vitamin C / Vitamin D / Zinc / Elderberry will prevent you from catching Coronavirus
None of these will prevent you from catching the virus. Furthermore, none of these are a cure for the virus if you are infected with it.
Ensuring an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals so your immune system can work its magic is always a good idea. Garlic has some blood thinning and antimicrobial properties. But none of these guarantees that your immune system will be able to fight the virus should you contract it.
Don’t be overconfident, because you are bringing a water pistol, not even a knife, to a gunfight.
Myth 3: A vegan/plant-based diet will prevent you from getting COVID-19
There is no evidence whatsoever that a diet, any diet, can prevent you from getting the novel Coronavirus and developing COVID-19.
Myth 4: A vegan/plant-based diet will make your COVID-19 symptoms milder
When it comes to this virus, being healthy with a strong immune system is helpful. It increases your odds of making it alive and/or exhibiting milder symptoms that don’t require hospitalization.
There are, however, many factors at play (including viral load and degree of exposure to the virus), your age, genetics, pre-existing conditions, etc.
A plant-based diet cannot guarantee that you’ll have mild symptoms. In fact, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that you will have a more asymptomatic recovery than omnivores.
Both plant-based eaters and vegans have contracted the virus, were hospitalized, and have even died from it.
Try to be as healthy as possible. A vegan diet that comes close to a Whole-Foods Plant-Based diet (WFPB), along with exercise, will certainly not hurt you in this endeavor.
Just remember that no diet can protect you from the novel coronavirus.
Myth 5: Coronavirus (i.e., SARS-CoV-2) was engineered in a lab by the Chinese
Scientific studies, not led by Karen on Facebook, indicate that there is zero evidence of this being a man-made virus. Instead, there is good evidence of the virus naturally evolving from the existing SARS virus.
Myth 6: 5G causes or exacerbates the Coronavirus
This is just stupid. Stop perpetuating conspiracy theories by pro-Trump groups like QAnon. 5G is safe and it’s in no way related to COVID-19.
People are now destroying 5G and other telecom towers, disrupting service during a time of crisis. When you share these conspiracy theories you cause real-world damage. Please stop.
Myth 7: Eating meat and eggs will spread the disease
There is no evidence that eating meat or eggs will give you the novel Coronavirus. There are plenty of good reasons to avoid them, but COVID-19 isn’t one of them.
Myth 8: Taking a hot (or cold) bath will help you kill the virus
No evidence for this either. Take baths or showers at your preferred temperature. It won’t have an effect on the virus once you have it.
In fact, cold can even be an additional stressor that weakens your immune system.
Myth 9: Yoga cures COVID-19
Yoga will keep you flexible, may improve your fitness, and help you manage stress. It won’t cure anything related to a viral infection.
Myth 10: Homeopathy cures COVID-19
Homeopathy is quackery. You’re drinking water, which also doesn’t cure you of COVID-19 (but staying hydrated is important).
There is no cure for COVID-19 as of today.
Myth 11: We should reopen everything up, only the elderly die from the disease
Anyone can die from COVID-19. Yes, you are more likely to die if you are elderly or have pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes (by the way, a plant-based diet can help with those). It’s rare for healthy young people or children to die from it.
Do not underestimate this virus, however. It’s still killing thousands of young people. Besides, the lives of elderly people are still inherently valuable and we shouldn’t discount them when weighing the pros and cons of lockdowns.
Myth 12: Coronavirus was caused by the Corona beer company
That’s like saying that AIDS was caused by drinking Kool Aid. 😉
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