Can eating malunggay really help protect you from novel coronavirus?

No wonder the Department of Health (DOH) encouraged the public to eat a lot of malunggay amid the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCov) threat in the Philippines.

The so-called miracle plant is apparently jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that replenish your body and boost your immune system.

In an interview on "Unang Balita" on Tuesday, nutritionist Salina Teo explained that malunggay contains certain properties that would help protect the body from the virus.

"Makakatulong siya, dahil mataas siya sa Vitamin A, at ang purpose talaga nito ay for immunity," she said.

The nutritionist said malunggay also contains vitamin C and E, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium.

As healthy as that sounds, Teo clarified that the body will need more than malunggay to stay strong.

"Nakakatulong siya, pero dapat nating ugaliin din na i-practice 'yung moderation, variety, at balance dahil 'yung ating katawan ay kailangan niya din 'yung iba't-ibang sustansiya na mahahanap sa mga iba't-ibang pagkain," she said.

Apart from eating a healthier diet, the DOH also urged the public to wear face masks, practice proper handwashing, stay hydrated and avoid crowded places as much as possible.

The Philippines recently confirmed the the second coronavirus-acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV-ARD) case, and first death in the country and outside China.

—Margaret Claire Layug/JCB, GMA News