A recent study has claimed that dark chocolate and green tea may help in preventing the spread of coronavirus amongst people.
The study conducted by North Carolina State University stated that certain foods, including dark chocolate and green and drinks such as dark chocolate, green tea, and grapes contain chemical compounds. These compounds are rich in phytonutrients and can hinder the function of a specific enzyme or protease in the virus.
Such chemical compounds can inhibit the coronavirus from affecting the human body and transmitting from one person to another. In this regard, North Carolina State University said that many subtypes of these phytonutrients, such as flavonols and proanthocyanidins present in dark chocolate, green tea, and grapes were able to successfully block the activity of the main protease (MPro) in the virus.
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The antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of these phytonutrients have proven to be efficient in reducing risks of hypertension and also in promoting cerebrovascular and cognitive functions.
The study further found that the chemical compounds found in the foods were ‘very successful at inhibiting the main protease’s function’ with the chemical compounds in cacao powder and dark chocolate reducing activity by about half.
There are other foods that can inhibit COVID-19. In yet another interesting research it was found that cranberry juice and pomegranate juice have the potential to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
