There are no miracle diets or foods that can cure or prevent
This is due to the recent global outbreak of novel coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2). Despite the World Health Organization’s (WHO) efforts to dispel myths about “miracle foods” and coronaviruses, misinformation is still being spread.
There is no proof that certain foods and diets can protect against the coronavirus. Here are some common myths that have been debunked.
Myth 1 – Garlic
Garlic has some antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that the active compounds (including allicin and allyl alcohol) of garlic are protective against certain types of bacteria, such as Salmonella, and Staphylococcus Aureus. There is limited research on the antiviral effects of garlic.
Garlic is considered a nutritious food. However, there are no evidences that it can cure or prevent COVID-19.
Myth 2 – Lemons
A viral Facebook video suggested that lemon slices in warm water could help fight novel coronavirus. There is no scientific proof that lemons can cure disease.
Vitamin C is an important component of the immune system. Many other citrus fruits, and vegetables, contain vitamin C.
Myth 3: vitamin C
Vitamin-C, as previously mentioned, is known to support the normal function of the immune system. is not the only nutrient which maintains the immune system. The majority of misinformation about vitamin C and coronavirus is based on studies that investigated the link between vitamin C, and the common cold. evidence to support that vitamin C is a treatment and prevention for the common cold is limited. The common cold is different from coronavirus.
There is currently no strong proof that vitamin C supplementation will cure or prevent COVID-19.
The majority of adults can get their Vitamin C requirement by eating a wide variety of fruits and veggies.
Read more: Coronavirus: it’s time to debunk claims that vitamin C could cure it
Myth 4: alkaline foods
Social media misinformation suggests that the virus can only be cured if you eat foods with a higher pH (levels of acidity) than the virus. A pH of less than 7.0 can be considered acidic. A pH above 7.0 is classified as alkaline. Lemons, limes and oranges were among the “alkaline” foods that are said to “cure”, or “reduce” coronavirus.
Many of these sources online give the wrong pH value to these foods. The pH of a citrus was given as 9.9 when in fact it is very acidic with a of 2. Some people believe that acidic food can become alkaline once it is metabolized by the body.
Overall, there is no evidence that food can affect the pH level of blood, tissues, or cells – much less cure viral infections. Acidity levels are regulated by the body, no matter what food is consumed.
Myth 5: keto diet
ketogenic diet is said to protect against COVID-19.
The ketogenic dieting won’t stop coronavirus. Yulia Furman/ Shutterstock
It is based on the notion that it “boosts” the immune system. One study suggested that keto could treat or prevent the flu. However, it was based on mice models. It is difficult to determine if keto has a similar impact on humans in terms of preventing or treating flu.
At this time, there is no scientific evidence that a ketogenic lifestyle can help prevent the coronavirus.
Current Advice
The British Dietetic Association has said that no specific foods or supplements will prevent someone from getting COVID-19. In addition to WHO recommendations, BDA recommends that people eat a balanced, healthy diet in order to support their immune system.
A varied and healthy diet , containing five of the main food groups, can provide the majority of people with the nutrition they need. The majority of nutrients that we get through our diet are involved in maintaining a normal immune system. These include copper, folate and iron.
The public is also encouraged to take protection measures against COVID-19. These include washing their hands frequently, maintaining a social distance, and adhering to lockdown orders.
The BDA recommends that adults in the UK take a daily vitamin D supplement, such as 10 micrograms of Vitamin D, and consume vitamin D-rich foods like oily salmon, egg yolks and fortified cereals. The reason is that sunlight is the main source of vitamin d and many people aren’t getting adequate exposure to sunlight because of lockdowns.
It can be hard to tell what’s true and false when it comes to misinformation online. A claim will be “fake”, in general, if:
