Lemons good for you, but . . .

Desmond Munemo

IF there is a fruit that is now treasured, it is the lemon.

It is now the Holy Grail for most households, especially after the coro­navirus outbreak.

Before the 21-day lockdown began on Monday, almost every vendor across the country had lemons in stock, including those that have never traded in fruits and vegetables before.

At long-distance bus termini sacks of lemons had become common- place.

Demand for the fruit has been shoot­ing through the roof owing to rumours and myths peddled on social media platforms.

A lemon contains Vitamin C and other nutrients that have several health benefits.

However, Mashonaland West pro­vincial health director Dr Wenceslaus Nyamayaro said although lemons could be used as a home remedy for dealing with flu, it cannot treat the coronavirus.

“People should rather avoid public gatherings, practise social distancing, stay at home and practise hygienic methods as measures of keeping Covid-19 away. Lemons are not an alter­native. The lemon, just like honey, only helps as a home remedy when dealing with ordinary flu conditions,” said Dr Nyamayaro.

“Washing hands often and follow­ing the recommended precautionary measures set by Government, like self-isolation, are some of the ways of keeping the virus away or stopping its spread.”

Lemons are an inexpensive source of Vitamin C compared to oranges, grape­fruit, kiwi fruit, broccoli, cauliflower, capsicum, etcetera.

Nutrition expert Ms Emily Mbanga says lemons neither prevent nor cure Covid-19.

“A person’s immune system is responsible for fighting viruses and lemons are rich in Vitamin C, which is an immune booster. Drinking a glass of water with lemon juice helps to restore your body to its natural pH. Lemons also clean your liver, strengthen your eyes, fight cancer, and are antibacterial. They, however, don’t cure Covid-19,” said Ms Mbanga.

A Harare-based pathologist, Dr Ter­ence Mutandwa, believes lemons can be invaluable as they boost blood anti­oxidants, which help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

“Vitamin C can improve the absorp­tion of iron that is poorly absorbed, such as iron from meat-free sources. While Vitamin C appears to reduce the severity of colds and recovery time by 8 percent in adults and 14 percent in children, it does not protect them from viruses.”

Just before the lockdown, street ven­dors were selling lemons for anything between $1 and $3.