Banana – cure for coronavirus?

Banana is a popular fruit rich in vitamins and minerals that may help boost the immune system. Locally, there are several varieties of bananas such as lakatan, latundan, saba, cavendish, and murado.
However, scientific information will reveal that bananas are definitely not the cure for the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19.  Why do people believe that bananas can cure COVID-19?

Bananas are highly nutritious and are beneficial for digestion, heart health, and weight control.   Bananas are also considered a “superfood” because they contain lots of nutrients like:
1.  Potassium Bananas are  great sources of potassium. This mineral is essential in  regulating blood pressure and maintaining proper water balance in the body. It also helps in muscle function. Potassium in the diet may help lower blood pressure and reduce risk of stroke.
2.  Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Bananas  are  excellent  sources  of  Vitamin  B6,  a  water-soluble  vitamin  that  is beneficial  for  brain  health  and  immune  system.  This  vitamin  also  aids  in  the production of red blood cells which may help prevent anemia.
3.  Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Most  fruits  contain  vitamin  C,  but  bananas  are  a  good  source  of  the  vitamin. Vitamin C is involved in numerous bodily functions like iron absorption from plant sources or non-heme iron, wound healing, and the immune system. This vitamin is well-known for boosting immunity to fight infections.
4.  Dietary Fiber Green,  unripe, and newly-riped  bananas  are rich in  resistant  starch – a  type of fiber that helps in maintaining regular bowel movement.    The nutrients that bananas contain are helpful in maintaining overall good health.

During  these  times,  we  should  take  care  more  of  our  health  to  prevent  us  from contracting COVID-19.   Remember, there is no one food that can cure the COVID-19 or any other disease. 

We  should  eat  a  balanced  diet  to  get  most  of  the  nutrients  needed  by  our  bodies  to function  well  and  boost  immunity.  Follow  the  Pinggang  Pinoy  developed  by  DOST-FNRI.

This food guide recommends to include Go, Grow, Glow foods in your diet in per meal basis.  #ResistensyaPalakasinWastongPagkainLabansaCOVID19

For more information on the nutrition survey results or other food and nutrition concerns, contact:  Dr.  Mario  V.  Capanzana,  DOST-FNRI  Director,  FNRI  Building,  DOST Compound,  General  Santos  Avenue,  Bicutan,  Taguig  City,  Metro  Manila;  Direct Telephone  Lines:  837-2934,  837-3164;  Email:  mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph
Website: www.fnri.dost.gov.ph