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What do we know about eating dates as a COVID-19 prevention or treatment?

What do we know about eating dates as a COVID-19 prevention or treatment?

This article was published on
August 5, 2021

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There is no available evidence that suggests eating dates can help treat COVID-19 or make it worse. Additionally, according to the NIH, there is not enough information to suggest any vitamin, minerals, herbal or botanical ingredient can prevent or treat COVID-19. Experts recommend eating a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and build a strong immune system that can fight infections and illnesses. It is recommended that one may contact a nutritionist for more advice on individual requirements. 

There is no available evidence that suggests eating dates can help treat COVID-19 or make it worse. Additionally, according to the NIH, there is not enough information to suggest any vitamin, minerals, herbal or botanical ingredient can prevent or treat COVID-19. Experts recommend eating a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and build a strong immune system that can fight infections and illnesses. It is recommended that one may contact a nutritionist for more advice on individual requirements. 

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What our experts say

No current scientific evidence suggests that consuming dates can improve or worsen conditions among COVID-19 patients, as is misleadingly claimed by some social media posts. Additionally, according to the United States National Institutes of Health, there is not enough information to suggest any vitamin, minerals, herbal or botanical ingredient can prevent or treat COVID-19. Experts recommend eating a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and build a strong immune system that can fight infections and illnesses.

The World Health Organization and the U.S. CDC recommend eating adequate amounts of nutritious food like vegetables, fruits, protein, and whole grains, along with plenty of water to stay hydrated. Eating a well-balanced diet helps to stay healthy and have a stronger immune system to fight illness and infectious diseases. It is recommended that sugar, fat, and salt intake should be moderated to lower risks of overweight, obesity, heart conditions, diabetes, and some other chronic illnesses.

No current scientific evidence suggests that consuming dates can improve or worsen conditions among COVID-19 patients, as is misleadingly claimed by some social media posts. Additionally, according to the United States National Institutes of Health, there is not enough information to suggest any vitamin, minerals, herbal or botanical ingredient can prevent or treat COVID-19. Experts recommend eating a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and build a strong immune system that can fight infections and illnesses.

The World Health Organization and the U.S. CDC recommend eating adequate amounts of nutritious food like vegetables, fruits, protein, and whole grains, along with plenty of water to stay hydrated. Eating a well-balanced diet helps to stay healthy and have a stronger immune system to fight illness and infectious diseases. It is recommended that sugar, fat, and salt intake should be moderated to lower risks of overweight, obesity, heart conditions, diabetes, and some other chronic illnesses.

Context and background

Some social media posts that have been circulating claim there are benefits to consuming dates to treat COVID-19 infection, while other posts claim there can be harmful effects. There is no scientific evidence to validate such claims.  

Some social media posts that have been circulating claim there are benefits to consuming dates to treat COVID-19 infection, while other posts claim there can be harmful effects. There is no scientific evidence to validate such claims.  

Resources

  1. Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID-19 (NIH)
  2. Food and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (CDC)
  3. Nutrition advice for adults during the COVID-19 outbreak (WHO)
  4. Healthy eating during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions (Australian Govt - Dept of Health)
  5. Food safety, nutrition, and wellness during COVID-19 (Harvard School of Public Health - The Nutrition Source)
  6. COVID-19: Nutrition for Recovery (Alberta Health Services)
  7. Nutrition and Hydration: Key Weapons in the Fight Against COVID-19 (American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition ASPEN
  1. Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID-19 (NIH)
  2. Food and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (CDC)
  3. Nutrition advice for adults during the COVID-19 outbreak (WHO)
  4. Healthy eating during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions (Australian Govt - Dept of Health)
  5. Food safety, nutrition, and wellness during COVID-19 (Harvard School of Public Health - The Nutrition Source)
  6. COVID-19: Nutrition for Recovery (Alberta Health Services)
  7. Nutrition and Hydration: Key Weapons in the Fight Against COVID-19 (American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition ASPEN

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