Can coconut water, rock sugar, and ginger cure Covid-19?
Coconut water, rock sugar, and ginger provide minerals and strengthen the body's immune system, but there is no evidence of their effectiveness against nCoV, according to experts.
Many people believe that steaming fresh coconut water with ginger and rock sugar helps Covid-19 patients recover. According to Dr. and pharmacist Nguyen Thanh Triet - University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3, there is currently no research or evidence to show that each individual ingredient or the combination of these three ingredients will have a specific effect on nCoV.
CoconutIn its natural form, coconut water is a refreshing and nutritious drink. Coconut water contains many cytokinins, a group of plant hormones, including kinetin, trans-zeatin, dihydrozeatin, gibberellins... These substances have anti-aging effects, help prevent cancer-causing factors and prevent blood clotting.
"Other micronutrients in coconut water such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, copper, zinc, etc. show that this is an effective rehydration drink to replenish the body's electrolytes lost through sweat as well as maintain some other functions," pharmacist Triet shared.
Coconut water also contains sugar, fat, amino acids, organic acids and enzymes, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, vitamin C... These are substances that play an important role in catalyzing a number of biochemical reactions, contributing to maintaining the body's normal physiological functions.
Coconut water can be considered a medicine that has the effect of lowering cholesterol, treating kidney stones, stimulating immunity, stimulating fertility, and rehydrating in case of diarrhea or exercise. Regularly drinking coconut water is also effective in controlling high blood pressure and preventing the risk of myocardial infarction.
There are currently very few reported side effects of coconut water. However, because it is a very potassium-rich drink, people with diabetes or kidney failure, or those taking potassium-sparing medications, should avoid drinking too much because it can cause hyperkalemia. Coconut water is very low in sodium, so people with cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease that causes increased sweating and mucus) should not use it as a way to increase blood sodium levels.
Pharmacist Triet noted that people with low blood pressure or at least 2 weeks before surgery should not drink coconut water because it can greatly affect blood pressure. Drinking large amounts of coconut water can cause bloating and stomach discomfort.
The amount of coconut water needed to drink each day depends on age, health status, activity level and other accompanying factors of the body. However, based on nutritional value, experts recommend drinking 1-2 cups of coconut water (about 240 ml) per day for a healthy adult. Cases with medical conditions such as low blood pressure, diabetes, kidney failure or electrolyte disorders should be cautious and should consult a specialist.
GingerGinger is a spice with a fragrant, spicy taste and warm properties. The characteristic smell and flavor of ginger is due to a mixture of spicy resin (mainly zingerone, shogaol and gingerol) and volatile components in the essential oil (mainly zingiberene, curcumene, zingiberenol, geraniol) accounting for 1-3% of the weight of fresh ginger. Ginger is used as a medicinal herb with many effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antibacterial, hypoglycemic, cancer prevention.... In addition, ginger also contributes to regulating the immune system.
According to traditional medicine, ginger is a precious medicinal herb that has the effect of warming, curing colds, relieving pain, preventing vomiting, stimulating digestion, and treating abdominal pain caused by cold. "Ginger also has some recorded side effects. Using 6g or more of ginger a day can cause mild diarrhea, chest heat, stomach discomfort, and ginger dust can also cause allergies if inhaled. In addition, ginger can also interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin if used in high doses," pharmacist Triet noted.
Candyprepared and crystallized from cane sugar, the main ingredient is sucrose. Rock sugar is often used to cook sweet soup, prepare dishes as well as used in some folk remedies to treat coughs, sore throats, and for nutrition. However, its main ingredient is the same as regular refined sugar, so it can cause some health problems such as the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dental diseases.
According to pharmacist Nguyen Thanh Triet, from the above analysis, it shows that it is possible to use the combination of coconut water, ginger and rock sugar as a nutritious drink, providing minerals, strengthening the immune system in general like other nutritional drinks in a reasonable way. It is necessary to pay attention to the dosage, cases that need to be cautious...
"It is essential to practice a healthy, balanced lifestyle and comply with epidemic prevention measures to help improve health and protect yourself against the pandemic," pharmacist Triet recommended./.
