By Analou De Vera
The Department of Health (DOH) said there is no scientific evidence to prove that the consumption of bananas can prevent someone from being infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (PNA / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
"Wala pa pong ebidensya, wala pa pong masusing pag-aaral na makakapagbigay ng hard science o ebidensya para sabihin na talagang (There still no evidence or study that can prove that) bananas will prevent the transmission or prevent a person from having COVID-19," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a press briefing.
Bananas, though, can help boost the immune system, she added.
"Ang saging ay mabuti sa katawan. Hindi naman po natin ipagbabawal na huwag po nila kainin, huwag lang po nila iisipin na hindi po sila magkakaroon ng sakit na ito dahil kumakain sila ng saging," she said.
(Bananas are good for the body. We are not saying that they should not eat bananas, but they should not think that they will not be infected with this disease just because they eat bananas.)
Recently, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo claimed that eating bananas can help prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Vergeire said experts are now studying the components of virgin coconut oil for possible treatment against COVID-19.
“I think nakarating na sa Office of the President where CabSec (Cabinet Secretary Karlo) Nograles has provided assistance to our local scientists... at magkaroon po tayo ng partnership with a university in Singapore para mas mapag-aralan pa ho ang epekto nito sa COVID-19," she said.
( I think it has reached the Office of the President where Cabinet Secretary Nograles has provided assistance to our local scientists.... and we will have a partnership with a university in Singapore to conduct further study on its effects on COVID-19.)
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