Fact Check: No, adding pepper in your food won’t cure or prevent coronavirus; viral post is fake

New Delhi (Vishvas News): A post going viral on social media claims that hot meals with pepper cure the person suffering from coronavirus in less than 24 hours. Vishvas News investigated and found the post to be fake. There is no evidence that adding pepper in food cures novel coronavirus in 24 hours.

Claim

Vishvas News received a post on its Whatsapp Chatbot for fact check. The post read: “First give a patient suffering from coronavirus hot meals rich and pepper and in less than 24 hours he or she will be fine.”

Investigation

Vishvas News investigated and found a report by WHO that stated myth-busters related to coronavirus. According to WHO, hot peppers in your food, though very tasty, cannot prevent or cure COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is to keep at least 1 metre away from others and to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. It is also beneficial for your general health to maintain a balanced diet, stay well hydrated, exercise regularly and sleep well.

We also found a report on the website of Virginia Department of Health in its page Myths about COVID-19. It stated: Pepper added to food does not protect you from or cure COVID-19.  Hot peppers might make your nose run so be sure to have tissues on hand when enjoying spicy food!

Speaking to Vishvas News, Dr. Vimal N of Ministry of AYUSH said: “There is no evidence that pepper can cure the infection. So far there is no cure for coronavirus. The viral claim is a hoax.”

According to WHO, to date, there are no specific vaccines or medicines for COVID-19. Treatments are under investigation and will be tested through clinical trials.

The claim is also viral on Facebook and Twitter.

Conclusion

Adding pepper in your food won’t cure or prevent coronavirus. The viral post is fake.

Disclaimer: The #CoronavirusFacts database records fact-checks published since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic and its consequences are constantly evolving and data that was accurate weeks or even days ago might have changed. Remember to check the date when the fact-check you are reading was published before sharing it.