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| - Last Updated on July 31, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A WhatsApp message claims that hot coconut water can cure cancer, attributing the statement to Dr Rajendra Badwe, Director of Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai. We fact-checked this and found the claim to be completely false.
The Claim
According to a WhatsApp message, hot coconut water can cure cancer. The message suggests that this mixture of coconut slices and hot water is “alkaline” and will specifically target and destroy malignant cells in the body.
Fact Check
What does Doctor Rajendra Bawde say about this statement?
Dr Rajendra Badwe of Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai, to whom this claim is attributed, has denied it. Media reports about the same are here and here.
Can coconut water cure cancer?
No, coconut water cannot cure cancer. Even though it is a healthy beverage with several benefits, such as hydration and providing essential nutrients, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that it can treat or cure cancer. Relying on such myths can be dangerous, as it may lead people to abandon effective, medically-approved cancer treatments.
According to the American Cancer Society, no food or drink, including coconut water, has the ability to cure cancer. The National Cancer Institute also emphasises that alternative remedies, such as coconut water, should not replace conventional cancer treatments. Falling for these unproven remedies like inflating balloons for cancer prevention or people suggesting spirulina for killing cancer cells can actually jeopardise the cancer therapy.
We talked to senior oncologist Dr Manish Singhal. He says, “The doctor to whom this claim has been attributed has refuted the statement. Many patients are abandoning their regular treatment and falling for this myth, which is completely untrue. Although coconut water offers several health benefits, including keeping you hydrated, it cannot cure cancer.”
Can alkaline solution cure cancer?
No, an alkaline solution cannot cure cancer. The idea that you can cure or prevent cancer by altering the body’s pH levels is a myth. Cancer is a complex disease with many factors contributing to its development, and there is no evidence to support the claim that an alkaline diet or alkaline water can selectively kill cancer cells or prevent the disease. Maintaining a balanced diet is important for overall health, there is no credible evidence that alkaline solutions or diets can cure cancer.
Regarding this Dr Singhal further says, “This alkaline food curing cancer is a myth which came up from some research done on petri dish in a laboratory. The human body works differently. Food cannot make the body’s pH acidic or alkaline. If somehow the pH of the body changes, it will land a person in ICU.”
Are there medical researches on coconut water and its effect on cancer?
There are a few medical research regarding the effect of coconut water on cancer cells. In most cases, the results have been positive. In one recent research from 2019, coconut water vinegar is found to be a potential anticancer food supplement. The study investigated anti-tumour effects of coconut water vinegar on breast cancer cells and found positive results.
In another research from 2014, green coconut water is found to be an anionic anticancer peptide. This means they have the potential to prevent cancer to some extent.
But it needs to be noted, most of these researches are done in-vitro i.e. in a laboratory on cells. Very few of them have actually been performed on humans in real life conditions. Hence, they may act as pointers of further studies or better diet. But, it still should not serve as a substitute for conventional treatment approaches.
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