Can bananas cure COVID-19? DOST-FNRI says no

There have been rumors circulating in the internet saying that bananas can cure the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

But according to the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), that's fake news.

"Scientific information reveal that bananas are definitely not the cure for the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19," the institute said in a statement.

However, there's no harm in adding this fruit to your diet.

DOST-FNRI said bananas are "highly nutritious and are beneficial for digestion, heart health, and weight control."

It added that bananas are also considered as a "superfood" since they contain several nutrients such as potassium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

"The nutrients that bananas contain are helpful in maintaining overall good health, DOST-FNRI said.

However, it stressed that "there is no one food that can cure COVID-19 or any other disease."

"We should eat a balanced diet to get most of the nutrients needed by our bodies to function well and boost immunity," DOST-FNRI reminded.

As of Wednesday, the Department of Health announced that the number of COVID-19 infections in the Philippines rose to 2,311, with 96 deaths and 50 recoveries.

—Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/JCB, GMA News