Bangkok: On social media, popular remedies claim that fruits like ripe mangoes and pineapples can cure ailments such as diabetes and vitreous degeneration. However, medical experts caution against these exaggerated claims.
According to Thai News Agency, information about various dietary formulas using fruits and vegetables to treat or prevent diseases is widely shared online. Examples include eating ripe mangoes to control blood sugar or pineapple to treat vitreous degeneration. This article, compiled from the "Sure Before Sharing CHECK-LIST" program, delves into the medical facts to determine which formulas are actually effective and which are misconceptions.
The program investigated the validity of popular methods for treating ailments with fruits and vegetables. For instance, celery is known to lower blood pressure, but experts warn that it cannot replace medication. Similarly, while eggplant supports liver health, it cannot cure diseases like hepatitis or jaundice.
Experts also examined the belief that consuming certain fruits before bed can nourish the kidneys. Although fruits like blueberries contain antioxidants beneficial for cardiovascular health, there is no evidence they specifically benefit the kidneys or must be consumed at night.
Dragon fruit is praised for its nutritional content, yet most antioxidants are in its peel, not its flesh. Thus, claims of it preventing diseases are unsubstantiated.
The notion that pineapple can cure vitreous degeneration is also debunked. Professor Emeritus Dr. Sakchai Wongkittiruk clarifies that consuming pineapple does not affect the vitreous humor's structure, and the research supporting this claim lacks medical significance.
Furthermore, the idea that ripe mangoes can control blood sugar and combat diabetes is misleading. While research showed lower pre-meal insulin levels in participants consuming ripe mangoes compared to dessert, experts emphasize that mangoes have high sugar content and should be consumed in moderation by diabetics.
In conclusion, consuming fruits and vegetables is a part of good nutrition, but they cannot replace medical treatments. It's crucial to verify health information accuracy before sharing it online.