False: Pineapple juice is 500 percent more effective than cough syrup.

There is no scientific evidence that pineapple juice can cure coughs or is 500 times better than cough syrup.An Instagram user recently posted a video proclaiming that pineapple juice is 500 times more efficient than cough syrup. The post reads, "Fresh pineapples contain a substance known as bromelain. A specific type of enzyme that has anti-inflammatory characteristics which can combat infections and eradicate bacteria." This claim was doing the rounds on social media platforms before the COVID-19 pandemic began. However, since the COVID-19 outbreak, the claim has once again resurfaced. There is no evidence that pineapple juice is "500 percent" better than cough syrup. Although pineapple juice contains bromelain, which may aid digestion and reduce inflammation, there is no scientific evidence that bromelain can relieve coughs. Many communities traditionally use a remedy containing pineapple juice to treat coughs. As a home remedy, it has broad appeal around the globe. However, the evidence for it is lacking. According to an article by USA Today, Thomas Vagts, a dietitian, told North Carolina's WFMY News 2 that "although pineapple juice has been touted in many home remedies that some have experienced with cough suppressants, there is no hard scientific evidence proven to suppress all coughs." According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the bromelain present in pineapple is a dietary supplement that can reduce pain and swelling, especially in the nose, sinuses, and gums. It further stated that bromelain promotes digestive health and can relieve muscle soreness. However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health does not endorse bromelain as a therapy or treatment, as much of the evidence is lacking or contradictory. Instead, it advises individuals to contact their health care provider for treatment or care for any medical condition which persists.