Fruit & Health

The fruits are one of the most perfect and healing foods Nature has gifted us.

Being juicy, tasty and nutritious, they contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, simple sugars, and protein and fat in particular - in small quantities. Fruits contain 80-90% structured water your body needs.

Cells need more "fuel" than building elements, and fruit simple sugars are the best quality "fuel" for our body. You can eat fruits both whole in appropriate combinations and as fresh juices.

Various combinations and fruit types:
 

• Sweet fruits plus sweet ones is considered to be the best combination.
• Sweet fruits plus semi-acidic ones and acidic ones plus acidic ones is considered to be a satisfactory combination.

- Sweet fruits are the following ones: banana, sweet grapes, dried figs, dates, raisins, dried fruits.
- Semi-acidic fruits are as follows: strawberries, cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, apples, fresh figs, plums, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, mango.
- Acidic fruits are as follows: acidic plums, cherries, pomegranate, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon, kiwi, pineapple.

Melon, watermelon and papaya must be consumed each at a time without being combined with other fruit types.

The presence of active enzymes and simple structures in the fruits facilitates extremely their digestion thus making them invaluable food. One fruit type only per meal results in their being healing and digestible in the most effective ways. 60 minutes is the maximum digestible time per a fruit. However, as the fruits are saturated with a lot of sugars, 90 minutes is a reasonable interval for the next fruit or meal to be consumed after in order to avoid being mixed, thus preventing fermentation.

It is good to begin the day with a morning fresh fruit juice to shake you up following the night sleep and "load" you with the necessary "fuel" for a fresher and more energetic start.

The contents of some summer seasonal fruits and what they are good for:

Cherries are high in vitamin C, E and B, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber, beta-carotene (provitamin A). They are one of the few fruits to supply melatonin, an antioxidant to regulate heart function and sleeping.The cherries are good for the brain and digestion. They reduce the risk of intestinal inflammation, symptoms of arthritis and gout, diabetes, pain in the ligaments after strenuous exercise.

Peaches contain vitamin A, C, are low in vitamin E and K, as well as thiamin, riboflamin, vitamin B6, niacin and others. Peaches are an effective antioxidant. They improve our eyesight and intestines. They assist in tissue growth, regulate blood pressure and digestion and prevent renal gravelling and constipation.

Apricots are high in vitamin A, C, beta-carotene, fiber. They help with keeping our eyes in good health and regulate the digestive system. They are recommended for anemia, gastro-intestinal and cardiovascular diseases.

Pears are high in fiber. They contain vitamin А,С, К,В2, В3, В6, as well minerals - calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper. Pears strengthen the heart and stomach, quench thirst and put an end to vomiting. Sweet ripe pears regulate bowel movements.

Apples are known to be one of the most healthful fruits. That is because they are high in numerous elements: sugars, organic acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes. Apples are high in vitamin C, carbohydrates, fiber, phytochemicals, ballast nutrients - pectin, cellulose. Apples are favorable for healthy and white teeth. They also have a good effect in cases of haemorrhoids and gallstones. The reduce cholesterol, fight diarrhea and constipation, affect favourably the heart, regulate weight, cleanse the liver, increase the immunity.

Melon is low in calories and contains almost no fats. It is high in vitamin C and A, potassium and lycopene. It also has a good effect in cases of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Melon helps with fighting eczemas and keeping skin in good condition and appearance. It is recommended in cases of digestive issues.

Watermelon is high in vitamin A and C, В6, minerals – potassium, as well amino acids. It has the most concentrated content of the powerful antioxidant - lycopene, which affects favorably cardiovascular diseases. Watermelon strengthens the immune system, heals wounds, promotes muscle and nerve function, regulates electrolyte and acid balance in the body. It also reduces the risk of hypertension.

Figs contain fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin B6, calories. They improve digestion. Figs promote the cardiovascular system health, assist in fighting anemia and blood clots in the vessels. They cause gases and affect adversely the stomach if consumed in large quantities..

Vita Rama Health Center team recommends fruits availability in the daily menu, especially for children. Remember that seasonal fruits are the most appropriate for consumption.