Fruits and their Benefits

Our body requires a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, calories, fat, enzymes, trace elements, antioxidants for its metabolism and most importantly to enhance the immune system against the diseases and strengthen our body. To get the optimum health benefits, it is recommended to eat variety of fresh organic fruits to furnish our body with essential nutrients. So, here are some captivating pictures of mouthwatering fresh fruits along with the information of its benefits.

Cherries: Cherries have the highest content of iron and disease fighting antioxidants compared to other fruits. The fruits contain vitamin C and E, iron, fiber, potassium and magnesium. It is understood through the researchers from Michigan that cherries can reduce cholesterol level, insulin levels and blood sugar, besides raising the antioxidant capacity of the blood. Every 100 grams of fresh cherries have higher percentage of vitamin A which is five times more than apples and grapes and twenty fresh cherries may keep us away from depression mood.

Grapes: According to Cancer Research Institute of London, grapes are good for women. They help them to avoid the painful wound related with breast cancer treatment.

Grapes also protect heart and blood vessels against oxidative tissue damage. Hypertension could be controlled by consuming one cup of grape juice and one cup of celery juice each with warm water three times a day for twenty days. Give a break of 5-7 days after 20 days and start the treatment freshly for another 20 days.

Oranges: Orange is one of most popular fruits in the world. It is a citrus fruit with excellent source of vitamin C. They are also good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, B, B1, calcium and potassium. By consuming oranges frequently we can reduce the risk of cancers and heart diseases. Oranges containing the smooth textured skin will have higher juice content than those that are spongy or lighter in weight. Small oranges are juicier than the larger ones.

Grapefruit: Grapefruit has lot of natural fiber and reduces the blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, insulin, cardiovascular diseases, etc. It also promotes salivary and gastric digestion, eases constipation, stimulates appetite, maintains the health of intestines, etc. Infact, this is the best fruit to protect us from diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, typhus, etc. It also induces the production of enzymes to prevent from cancer.

Patients suffering from diabetics are advised to eat three grapefruits three times everyday to improve their diabetic condition. The purple grape fruit with plenty of antioxidant compounds is recommended for great health benefits. It protects from liver and kidney disorders and also improves skin form.

Strawberries (Arbutus unedu): Strawberry is the most delicious and nutritious fruit that has the ability to remove harmful toxin in the blood. This fruit is recommended for constipation, high blood pressure, skin cancer, sluggish liver, rheumatism etc. It is yet another fruit which is consumed as skin cleansing food. The strawberry is cut into half and rubbed on teeth and gums to remove tartar from the teeth and to strengthen and heal the gums. In order to dissolve the tartar the juice has to remain on teeth as long as possible and later the mouth has to be rinsed with warm water.

Raspberries: Raspberries are the most delicious and healthy fruit with vitamins, antioxidants, manganese and fiber. Fiber helps slow the digestive process so that we do not feel hungry quickly. Manganese is a trace mineral that helps keep our metabolic rate high, which in turn burns fat. Its seed oil has a natural sun protection factor. It contains high quantity of polyphenolic compounds and ellagic acid, which are known to restrain cancer cells. The anthocyanins present in raspberry will reduce the risk of heart disease and also delay the effects of aging.

Banana: Banana has a high amount of carbohydrate that can be transformed into energy in our body. Its nutrient benefits our heart, kidney, muscle, nerve and bones. For the people suffering with symptoms like potassium deficiency which include mind fogginess, nervous shaking, body tiredness, excessive perspiration of their limbs, etc., can be improved by eating banana.

Apple: Modern scientific studies discovered that an "An Apple a Day keeps the Doctor Away". While diabetes patients are supposed to eat sour apple, people suffering from cardiovascular and obesity should eat sweet apple. Eating a ripe apple is a good remedy to cure constipation. The powerful antioxidants and anthocyanin found in red apples prevent us from cancer development and cardiovascular disease.

Blackberries: The latest study in UK says that blackberries contain vitamins and antioxidant compounds much higher than apple and strawberry. We can protect ourselves from cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, cancer development and brain diseases from the nutrients and trace elements found in blackberries.

Blueberries: Blueberries are the finest fruits to prevent high blood pressure and weakness. The antioxidants in blueberries help us to maintain brain health, strengthen our heart, fight against cancer diseases and prevent chronic diseases related with the aging process.

Custard Apple: Custard apple contains Vitamin C which is again an anti-oxidant and helps in neutralizing free radicals. For treating diarrhea and dysentery, custard apple can be dried, crushed and used in its unripe form. Vitamin A present in this fruit is good for eyes, hair and maintaining healthy skin. The low fat levels in this fruit also help us to prevent from heart diseases. High source of dietary fiber in custard apple also helps indigestion.

Apricot: Apricot is a fruit that has vitamins and minerals and benefit our eyes, heart, liver, stomach, nerve and immune system. It protects our heart, stops the cough, nourishes our lungs, strengthens our body and removes skin disorder, stimulates the blood circulation which helps us with flawless and glowing skin. Eating one or two fresh apricots before the meal helps those who are suffering from constipation to digest their food. This apart, it is a good diet for people suffering from anemia, tuberculosis and asthma.

Mangoes: Mango is the most popular and versatile fruit that comes in numerous varieties all having their own unique flavor, texture, color, and aroma. Mangoes are the good source of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants and contain very few proteins, fats and calories like any other fruits.

According to Unani Medicine System the benefits of mangoes are as follows:

·         Vitamin C and Calcium in mango tightens the capillary vessels and prevents oder cures bleedings of inner parts. Regular consumption of mango makes the complexion fair and the skin soft and shining. Those suffering from diarrhea have to take sun dried mango leaves powder in half a teaspoon with water for 2-3 times a day. Burnt ashes of mango leaves if applied on burnt parts give quick relief. To cure fever, apply paste of mango roots on palms and soles.

·         It is advisable for a pregnant woman to eat one mango a day because calcium and magnesium of mango relaxes the muscles, relieves stress and prevents abortion.

·         Dried mango seeds are the best as toothpaste that strengthens the gums and helps in curing dental problems like foul smell.

Plums: Plum is related to family of cherries and peaches. There are various varieties of plums throughout the world available in colors like red, purple, green, blue-black, yellow etc. Plums are the good source of vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. By eating plums regularly it produces more iron in the body which ultimately leads to better blood circulation thus resulting in growth of healthy tissues.

Jackfruit: Jackfruit is a good source of potassium and Vitamin C. Jackfruit root is not only good for treating various skin problems but also beneficial for people suffering from asthma. This fruit containing phytonutrients helps in lowering of blood pressure, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, anti-ageing and anti-cancer.

Pineapple: Pineapple is a tropical fruit containing proteolytic enzyme bromelain helps in digestion of protein. Mainly it can prevent from forming blood clot due to its bromelain content. Fresh pineapple juice is used in removal of intestinal worms, to combat diphtheria and other infection of throat and other parts of the body. It also prevents morning sickness and constipation. Rich in Vitamin C, it protects our body from major diseases like heart disease, diabetes and various cancers. It not maintains good eye-health, it also prevents plague and keeps teeth healthy, keeps skin beautiful and helps us lose weight.

Chickoo: Also known as Sapodilla or Manilkara Zapota, chickoo is originated from Yucatan, south of Mexico and north east Guatemala. This fruit is popularly known as Chickoo in India, Pakistan and South Asia. By boiling chickoo with water, it is believed that the decoction is good for curing diarrhea. It is also believed that it is high in tanning.

Papaya: Eating papaya regularly helps us to maintain good health and energy. Ripe papaya is good for digestion and aids in constipation. It also helps prevent cancer in organs.

This apart, it has bleaching properties for which it is used as an ingredient in soaps, lotions and other whitening products. This tropical fruit contains rich concentration of vitamin C which is an antioxidant that protects us from our own injured cells, skin and the entire immune system of our body.

Guava: Guava is a native of Carribean. It is one of the fine fruits for its richness in Vitimin A, B, and C. This apart they are also the good source of iron, calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus. Guavas are cholesterol, saturated and sodium free, low in fat and calories, high in fiber. The diabetic patients can enjoy this fruit without its skin.

Watermelon: There are over 1200 varieties of watermelon and are grown in 96 countries worldwide. It is an ideal food without any fat or cholesterol. Watermelon is a good source of potassium and is rich in fiber and vitamins A and C. It is actually not a fruit but a vegetable that belongs to family of pumpkins and cucumbers. It basically quenches our thirst and also prevents from diseases like diabetes, asthma, colon cancer, arthritis etc.

Pears: Pears are sweet fruits that are related to the apple family. They vary in different colours like green, red, brown, yellow or a combination of any of these colours. While some pears are of bell-shaped, others are shaped round like an apple.

Among all variety of pears, the Chinese pear is said to be having more medicinal values. But even the other varieties have their own nutritional values.

Consumption of pears helps in preventing high blood pressure and stroke, lowers cholesterol levels. It prevents cancer due to high Vitamin C and copper content act as good antioxidants. A glass of pear juice reduces fever quickly. The cooling effect in pear also helps prevent throat problems.

Pomegranate: According to studies pomegranate juice daily help support the normal blood flow to the heart due to which it reduces the risk of having heart diseases and heart attacks. The antioxidant properties in pomegranate keep away from forming bad cholesterol and also help in keeping the arteries clear of clots. It may also help reduce the risks of diabetes, cancer etc. This fruit is a good natural source of vitamins A, C, E and folic acid.

Pomegranate supports the blood by supplying it with iron which also may help protect anemia symptoms like weakness, dizziness, hear loss and exhaustion.

Muskmelon: Muskmelon also known as cantaloupe or netted melon is a small, oval and juicy fruit originated in Middle East. This fruit is rich in carbohydrate, protein, fiber, citric acid, vitamin A, B, B3, B6 and C. It controls high blood pressure, reduce the risk of getting kidney stones, prevent cancers, cardiovascular and prevent stroke and regulate heart beat.

Star Fruit: It is a tropical fruit that comes in two varieties. One variety is sweet, while the other is slightly sour. It is packed with vitamin C. To avoid getting cold and flu this is the best fruit to have during winters. This fruit also helps in weight loss as it is low in calories and fat. This fruit is highly recommended for people suffering from hypertension and heart problems because there is no cholesterol or sodium content in it. Star fruit is best for good health and is an anti-aging agent.

Peaches & Nectarines: Peaches are in red, pink, yellow, white, or a combination of those colors. Peaches and nectarines look very similar, but they can be identified by their skin texture. Peaches are fuzzy and dull, while nectarines are smooth and shiny.

According to researchers in China men and women who consumed peaches more than two times per week had less risk of developing cancers of the mouth than those who did not eat peaches. Though low in calories peaches are the source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and arytenoids.

The fiber content in peaches acts as a mild laxative, aids digestion, and may also help fight cancer. The fruit rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C allows in cancer-fighting protect against heart disease. Peaches help ensure proper functioning of cells through iron and potassium content. It also helps protect against blindness caused by age-related macular degeneration.

Nectarine is low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol and high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Fiber and Niacin. The nutritional value and health benefits of nectarines help in maintaining best health and weight loss but for those who wants to gain weight shall avoid eating nectarines.

Kiwi: Kiwi consists of vitamin A, C, E, fiber, enzymes, antioxidant, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and copper. This fruit protect us from heart disease, stroke, asthma, cancer, diabetics, and respiratory-related diseases like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. This apart, it also strengthens our body and promotes healthier immune system.

Fig: Fig is one of the best fruits recommended for humans. This fruit as a source of food is very good and nutritious. Figs are low in fat and high in fibre that can reduce blood cholesterol. They are rich in iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin B6. For those suffering from chronic constipation fig is the best fruit to relieve the disease. The high water content in the Fig clears the skin by acting as a cleanser.

Source: Fruits and their Benefits