Nutrition

 by: Sharon Hopkins

Fruits, fresh or dried have been a natural staple diet of human beings since ancient times. Replete with minerals, vitamins, enzymes, they are easily digestible. Fruits are not only good sources of food, they also serve as medicines and can treat ailments.

Fruits, eaten raw or consumed as fresh juice, are excellent ways to retain and balance the moisture level in the body. The low level of sodium in fruits plays an important role for people who would like to avail of a salt-free diet. So pregnant ladies eat 2-3 helpings of fresh fruits in a day.

Dry fruits like apricots, raisins and dates are storehouses of calciumand iron, essential for the strengthening of bones and maintaining good blood, respectively. Custard apple too is an excellent calcium source. If you are unwell, consume fruits in the form of fresh juice only. One or two fruits a day cleans the digestive tract and aids easy bowel action.

Guavas, custard apples, lemons and oranges are effective sources of vitamin C. When eaten fresh and raw, they provide all the vitamins. Papaya is an excellent source of Vitamin C and carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body.

Consume fruits in raw and ripe form. Avoid cooking -- as there is loss of nutrient salts and carbohydrates. It is ideal to eat one kind of fruit at a time. Many prefer to take fruits in breakfast with milk. It is advisable to avoid a combination of fruits and vegetables. In case you need to combine fruits with vegetables, opt for larger portions of fruits.

Fruits like apple, lemon, orange and pomegranate aid in the proper functioning of the heart. Nutrients in apples, dates and mangoes sharpen memory, prevent exhaustion, hysteria, insomnia and mental tension.

All forms of berries are rich in iron, phosphorus and sodium that are beneficial for blood building and nerve strengthening. Lemons are good for liver ailments, indigestion and rheumatism. Watermelons are good kidney cleansers. Pineapple and pomegranates help in soothing inflammation of nose, throat, hay fever and other chronic or bronchial ailments. Grapefruit juice is an effective aid for common cold. Fresh and ripe fruits like grapes, apples, bananas and figs are good for all brain deficiencies. Even the kernel of walnut is a helpful remedy for weakness of the brain.

Eating liberal amount of fruits daily ensures a healthy energetic life and active life lifetime.