Chikoo does not cure COVID-19

Buzzwords like superfoods, immunity boosters, detox, cure foods have been added to the daily vocabulary since the beginning of the pandemic. These words have been used time and again to recommend a single food item or supplement and often seen on social media with advice to take it to prevent contracting the dreaded virus. Case in point being, a recent post on Facebook claims that a certain fruit (Chikoo) is the apparent cure for COVID-19. Let us verify the claims in the post.

                                 The archived version of the post can be seen here

Chikoo has anti-viral, anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory properties

Sapota (Chikoo) is a wholesome and nutritious fruit with effective antiviral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. According to International Journal of Food and Science Nutrition report, owing to its properties like rich Vitamin C and iron content, there are multiple health benefits of Chikoo. These include cure to cough & cold since it possesses antiviral and anti-fungal properties, aids in digestion & weight loss, controls blood pressure, assist nervous system, prevents anaemia, heal wounds, among others.

Given that it possesses anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties, it is definitely beneficial for digestive and cardiovascular health. However, immune-boosting foods rich in Vitamin C do not necessarily prevent or cure the coronavirus. Therefore, there has been no specific scientific evidence to prove Chikoo’s efficacy in the prevention or cure of COVID-19.  Also, no authority including the WHO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), or ICMR have listed these in the available treatments for COVID-19

In summary, while Chikoo is rich in Vitamins A, B, and C, it is imperative to note that no supplement or single fruit is known to cure or prevent COVID-19. There is no scientific evidence to prove the same. Therefore, it is pertinent to follow the treatments prescribed only by the medical authorities while taking food items that boost immunity.