One coffee a day keeps the virus away

A major US study suggests that drinking one cup of coffee a day cuts the risks of falling ill with COVID-19 by around a tenth.

US scientists, who analysed the records of 40,000 British adults, think the drink protects against the virus because it contains health-boosting plant chemicals that may turbocharge the immune system.

A daily portion of vegetables has a similar effect, the study added. But tea and fruit juice does not seem to help, while a diet heavy in processed meats – such as sausages and bacon – increases the chances of becoming severely ill.

The results were published in the journal Nutrients.