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Fruits are one of the oldest forms of food
known to man. In fact, Adam, the first man ate an apple, the 'forbidden
fruit' of heaven. There are many references to fruits in ancient
literature. Vedas state that the fruits form the base of the Food of
Gods. According to Quran, the fruits like grape, date, fig, olive and
pomegranate are gifts and heavenly fruits of God.
The people in ancient times regarded fruits
to be endowed with magic, or divine properties. They gave them due
reverence and dedicated them to their gods and goddesses. They also used
their designs in decorating temples, vestments or ceremonial garments
and sacred vessels.
Fresh and dry fruits are the natural staple
food of man. They contain substantial quantities of essential nutrients
in a rational proportion. They are excellent sources of minerals,
vitamins and enzymes. They are easily digested and exercise a cleansing
effect on the blood and the digestive tract. Persons subsisting on this
natural diet will always enjoy good health. Moreover, the ailments
caused by the intake of unnatural foods can be successfully treated by
fruits. Fresh and dry fruits are thus not only a good food but also a
good medicine.
Fruits have highly beneficial natural effect
on the human system. The main physiological actions of fruits are as
follows:
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Hydrating
Effect - Taking of fruits or fruit juice is the most pleasant way of
hydrating the organism. The water absorbed by sick persons in this
manner has an added advantage of supplying sugar and minerals at the
same time.
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Diuretic
Effect - Clinical observations have shown that potassium, magnesium
and sodium contents of the fruit act as a diuretic and dieresis -
frequency of urination is considerably increased when fruits and
fruit juices are taken. They lower the urine density and thereby
accelerate the elimination of nitrogenous waste and chlorides. As,
however, fruits contain a very low level of sodium, they make a
valuable contribution to a salt-free diet.
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Alkalinizing Effect - The organic acids of the salts in fruits
produce alkaline carbonates, when transformed within the organism,
which alkalize the fluids. All fruits promote intestinal
elimination. This keeps the body free from toxic wastes which creep
into the blood from an overloaded, sluggish intestinal tract. The
carbohydrates of fruits are chiefly in the form of sugar, dextrin
and acids which are easily digestible and are completely absorbed.
Hence, they are very useful for sick and invalids for quick energy
and heat.
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Mineralizing Effect - Fruits furnish minerals to the body. Dried
fruits such as apricots, raisins and dates are rich in calcium and
iron. These minerals are essential for strong bones and good blood
respectively. Some fruits, like custard apple, furnish calcium to
the extent of 800 mg. per fruit, which is sufficient to meet our
daily requirement of this mineral.
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Laxative
Effect - The fibrous matter in fruits, cellulose, aids in the smooth
passage of the food in the digestive tract and easy bowel action.
The sugars and organic acids contained in fruits also increase their
laxative effect. Hence, regular use of fruits prevents and cures
constipation.
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