Importance of Fruits in Diet
Fruits, fresh or dried have been natural staple diet of human
being since ancient times. Replete with minerals, vitamins,
enzymes, they are easily digestible. Fruits are not only good
source as food, they are serve as medicine and treat ailments.
Fruits, eaten raw or consumed as fresh juice are an excellent
way to retain and balance moisture level in a body. The low
level of sodium in fruits plays an important role for people who
avail of salt free diet. So pregnant ladies eat 2-3 helpings of
fresh fruits in a day.
Dry fruits like apricots, raisins and dates are a storehouse of
calcium, iron, essential for strengthening of bones and 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 fruit 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 vitamins. Papaya is an excellent source of
Vitamin C and carotene, which converts to Vitamin A in the body.
Consume fruit 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
vegetable. In case you need to combine fruits with vegetables,
opt for larger portions of fruits. Fruits like apple, lemon,
orange and pomegranate aid in proper functioning of the heart.
Nutrients in apple, date and mangoes sharpens memory, prevents
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, 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.