Coronavirus: Can garlic help protect against the deadly virus?

Coronavirus cases have now jumped by about 30 percent in the last few days. At present, those affected by coronavirus is at a staggering 273. This comes after a growing number of reports of empty shop shelves with people panic buying. Some supermarkets have reported seeing spikes in demand, amid concerns there could be shortages. Chemists have even begun rationing sales of hand sanitisers after stocks ran increasingly low. The mass hysteria caused by coronavirus has many people finding alternative ways to ensure they reduce their risk of developing the deadly virus.

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It’s well-known garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties which may help fight off a common cold.

Garlic has been used for centuries as both a food ingredient and a medicine. Garlic contains compounds that help the immune system fight germs.

Whole garlic contains a compound called alliin. When garlic is crushed or chewed, this compound turns into allicin which is the main active ingredient in garlic.

Allicin contains sulfur which gives garlic its distinctive taste. However, allicin is unstable, so it quickly converts to other sulphur-containing compounds thought to give garlic its medicinal properties.

These compounds have been shown to boos the disease-fighting response of some types of white blood cells in the body when they encounter viruses, such as the viruses that cause the common cold or flu.

Can garlic help protect a person against coronavirus?

In a study with Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology the antibacterial effect of garlic was investigated.

The study noted: “Using garlic is widespread in Iran and other countries as a medicine and a natural spice.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of garlic.” The study concluded that garlic extracts has antibacterial properties and has antibacterial properties against negative bacteria which must be investigated in further studies. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have answered the public’s most pressing questions.

A popular theory is that consuming garlic could help prevent infection from the new coronavirus.

WHO stated: “Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties.

“However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.

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Misinformation about the coronavirus is spreading as quickly as the virus itself.

Myths such as sesame oil, marijuana and garlic being used to ward off the virus are being declared as inaccurate.

Taking a hot bath does not prevent the coronavirus either, as stated by WHO.

The best way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and other viral illnesses is to stay at home when you’re sick and wash your hands frequently and vigorously using hot water and soap.

“The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands.

“By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth and nose,” said WHO.

The NHS added: “The symptoms of coronavirus are a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath.

“But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

“NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.

“Use this service if you think you might have coronavirus, in the last 14 days you’ve been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus or you’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus.”

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