Busting top food myths in the wake of Covid-19 stress

It’s not only the infections that go viral. Amidst all this several false information and myth floating across the globe about coronavirus which is more harmful than the Covid-19 pandemic itself.

There are plenty of food myths and the prevention measure doing the rounds on social media. Literally, it’s quite difficult to judge the authenticity of the information.

A fact check unveils that many of them are nothing but a myth, as clarified by the World Health Organisation, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Press Information Bureau. Many people are also saying that this virus spread through some food items which is a complete myth.

To reduce the spread of misinformation, we’re busting the top coronavirus myths.

Myth: Eating garlic will cure coronavirus

False: Garlic is said to help boost your immune system because they have some antimicrobial properties. But, WHO confirms that while it is “a portion of healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties”, there’s no evidence that eating garlic can protect you from the new COVID disease.

Myth: Drinking fresh bitter gourd juice will cure the Coronavirus.

False: It is unlikely that this is true. Drinking bitter gourd juice cannot cure Covid-19.

Myth: Eating Nonveg causes the spread of the disease

False: This is a misconception eating hygienically prepared and well-cooked nonveg is safe.

Myth: Spraying alcohol or chlorine or bleach all over your body kills the virus.

 False: Spraying alcohol or chlorine or bleach on your body will not protect you from new Coronavirus disease. WHO confirms that Spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body harm your mucous membranes, it won’t protect you from getting the coronavirus.

Myth: Vegetables and Fruits should be washed in detergent water or soap.

False: The only thing is important is to wash your hand with soap and water before washing your vegetables and fruits. However, fresh vegetables and fruits should be washed normally clean water only.

Myth: It can be cured by gargling with warm water mixed with vinegar and salt.

False: Coronavirus cannot be treated by gargling with warm water mixed with salt and vinegar.

 Myth: Tumeric/ lemon water help prevent Covid-19

False: There is no evidence that lemon/turmeric prevents coronavirus. However, WHO recommends consuming the right fruit and vegetable as part of a healthy diet.

Myth: Drinking plenty of water every 15 minutes helps flush out the Coronavirus.

False: There is no such evidence that drinking plenty of water flushes out the Coronavirus. It’s good for health, recommended by WHO to have adequate water.

Hence, we should focus on information from reliable sources only, and not rely on forwarded messages or word-of-mouth. Every life is important during the Covid-19 epidemic and together with support and commitment we can fight together and win this battle.

For the full list of myth busters by WHO, click

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