Coronavirus Update: Can Garlic Help Fight And Protect You Against COVID-19?

Garlic has been among the most trusted spices around the world, thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. This has been used to fight off the common cold, and for centuries, it has helped so many people.

Some use garlic as a food ingredient. Others would use it as a medicine. What was sought after were the compounds in garlic that help fight germs.

Garlic contains alliin, a compound that contains sulfur. Since this is unstable, as per Express' report, it then converts to other compounds that contain sulfur, giving garlic its medicinal characteristics.

These compounds are said to boost the disease-fighting response of various types of white blood cells whenever the body would encounter viruses, such as those that cause flu or a common cold.

Can It Help Fight Coronavirus?

The antibacterial effect of garlic was made the subject of a study with Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology. It noted that in Iran, using garlic as medicine is a common practice among the population. This isn't only true in Iran but in many other countries.

The study's aim was to analyze the antibacterial effects of garlic. It concluded that the spice has antibacterial properties. Researchers are aiming to investigate in further studies the antibacterial properties of garlic against negative bacteria.

What the WHO Says

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), garlic is a truly healthy food that has antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence that garlic consumption can help in protecting individuals from coronavirus.

Theories and myths are spreading as quickly as the virus. For instance, there have been myths that stated that marijuana, sesame oil, and garlic could help fight the virus. This has been inaccurate. There was also a myth which stated that taking a hot bath will prevent coronavirus as well. This was also inaccurate.

As per WHO, the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to frequently clean your hands using soap and warm water. You can also use a hand sanitizer in case there’s no availability of soap and water. There is no recommendation from the WHO to wear masks to protect oneself. The best way is proper and continuous hygiene.