Young Coconut Traders In Pariaman Flood Orders Because Residents Believe It Can Reduce Vaccine Effects

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PARIAMAN - Young coconut traders in Pariaman City, West Sumatra were flooded with orders from residents who participated in the COVID-19 vaccination. Residents assess the fruit can increase endurance and reduce the effect of the vaccine.

"In a day I can sell 300 young coconuts or more," said Hendrik (38) of a young coconut trader in Central Pariaman District, in Pariaman, as quoted by Antara, Friday, July 23.

He said the coconuts were bought and consumed by residents before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, so the stall was usually crowded with buyers in the morning and evening, while the afternoon was relatively quiet.

The original young coconut is sold at a price of Rp. 5 thousand per item, while the roasted young coconut is Rp. 10 thousand per item, but if the roasted young coconut is added with eggs, ginger, and honey it can reach Rp.

"I have been selling young coconuts this year, and the results are thank God," he said.

In the past year, many sellers of roasted young coconuts in the area have sprung up because they saw the enthusiasm of residents who believe that if the fruit is burned it will have many benefits.

The benefits of roasted young coconut, he continued, are to overcome cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidneys, cold medicine, aches, shortness of breath, and increase stamina.

"There are many benefits, including treating asthma," he said.

Meanwhile, one of the local residents who had undergone the COVID-19 vaccination, Yuhendra (30) said that before and after receiving the vaccine, he drank young coconut water because of information from friends about its benefits.

"What is clear is that young coconut is good for the body, and after being vaccinated, I did not feel the effect," he said.

Another resident, Darmansyah (53) said he often drank young coconuts he bought from street vendors in Pariaman City to increase his immune system.

"In Pariaman many sell young coconuts, the price also varies, ranging from Rp. 5 thousand, Rp. 7 thousand, Rp. 8,000 and some even Rp. 10 thousand per grain," he added.

IDI Calls Irrational

Previously, the Chair of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) Aceh, Dr dr Safrizal Rahman MKes SpOT, stated that the phenomenon of people drinking young coconut water after receiving an injection of the COVID-19 vaccine to neutralize the effects of vaccination was irrational.

"There is no rationalization for drinking coconut water after being vaccinated, it has no causal relationship," said Safrizal in Banda Aceh, quoted by Antara, Monday, July 5.

The phenomenon of drinking young coconut water after being vaccinated against COVID-19 is rife among the people of the Tanah Rencong area. The goal is that the dose of vaccine that is injected into the body does not cause an effect.

"The vaccine is injected into our muscles and the coconut water goes into our digestive tract, so it takes a long time to meet in the body's system, so it has nothing to do with that," said Safrizal, explaining.

In addition, he explained, young coconut water is indeed good for the body, because it contains a lot of electrolytes, and helps the body when it lacks electrolytes so that it feels healthier and fresher.

"What is certain is that after being vaccinated, we rest, then eat nutritious food, perhaps young coconut is one of them," he said.

“Young coconut water is not only available in Indonesia, but also in the United States. So there is no evidence of research that leads to it, nothing yet,” he said, asserting.

In addition, IDI also appealed to the public not to be afraid to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccination program aims to establish herd immunity in the community from the virus attack.