Fruits have highly beneficial effect on the human system. The main physiological actions of fruits are as follows:
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
The organic acids of the salts in the fruits produce alkaline carnbonates, when transformed with in the organism, which alkalize the fluids and fruits are best for alkaline system.
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 th eform of sugar , dextrin and acids which are easily b digestible and are completely absorbed . Hence, they are very useful for sick and invalids for quick energy and heat.
Mineralising effect: Fruits furnish minerals to the body . Dried fruits such as apricots , raisins and dates are rcih in calcium and iron. There minerals are essential for strong bones and good blood respectively. Some fruits , like custard apple, furnish calcium to the extent of 800mg. per fruit , which is sufficient to meet our daily requirement ofthis mineral.
The fibrous matter in fruits and fruit juice , 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 and fruit juice are also increase their laxative effect . Hence , regular use fruits and fruit juice prevents and cures constipation.
Fruits , as dependable sources of vitamins, exert a tonic effect in the body. Guavas, custard apples and citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges are particularly valuable sources of vitamin C. These fruits are usaually eaten fresh and raw, thus making the vitamins fully available to us. Several fruits contain good amounts of carotene which gets converted to vitamkin a in the body. A medium sized mango can provide as much as 15000 international unit o vitamin A which is sufficient for full one week and this vitamin can be stored in the body. The common papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C and carotene.
Fruits are at their best when eaten in the raw and ripe state. In cooking, they lose portions of the nutrient salts and carbohydrates. They are most beneficial when taken as a separate meal by themselves , preferable for breakfast in the morning . A combination of fruits with vegetables is not considered good. If it becomes necessary to take fruits with regular food , they should form a larger proportion of gthe meals. Fruits , however , make better combination with milk than with meals . It is also desirable to take one kind of fruit at a time.
In case of sickness, it will be advisable to take fruits in the form of juice . However , juice should be taken immediately after extraction as it begins to decompose quickly and loses it s properties.
Fruit Cure
effective mothod of treating disease. The best and safest way of fasting is juice fasting/. The procedure is to take the juice of an orange or any other juicy fruits , such as grapes , grapefruit, mosambi and pineapple, diluted 50:50 with water, every two hours from 8:00pm. Nothing else , what soever, may be taken as other wise the value of the juice fast will be entirely lost. Canned or frozen juices should not be used. The total daily liquid intake should be about six to eight glasses.
Vitamins, minerals, enzymes and trace elements contained in fresh fruits juices are extremely beneficial in normalising all the body processes. They supply needed elements for the bodys own