Importance Of Fruits In Diet

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.

About the author:
Sharon Hopkins manages websites on nutrition, diet and health. A
Nutritious Diet
ensures well being, helps to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index
(BMI), reduces the risk of several debilitating diseases like
cancer, diabetes, stroke,etc.