BY YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE
A saying: an apple a day keeps the doctor away is quite popular across the world and reiterates the call by health professionals that individuals should eat adequate servings of fruit and vegetables daily.
Health professionals claim that certain fruits help to keep the immune system and help in healing. But some believe that fruits are merely needed to keep a balanced diet and may not necessarily have healing powers
However, there is a consensus that fruits are beneficial to the body whether ad a diet or for curative purposes. Does fruits have healing powers and which of the fruits can be used for healing?
Fruits contain a lot of complex carbohydrates which release sugar into your system slowly, leaving a long-lasting energy boost. Different fruits have peculiar powers which aid health, work for specific body parts and help in healing particular ailments.
It is said that wild fruits are rich sources of healthy compounds that contain fundamental supplements and energetic compounds that are chargeable for their various antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antimalaria and anticancer abilities.
Wild fruits are high in fibre which is an essential part of a healthy diet. They contain pectin which helps the gut stay in good shape. And it has been proved that munching on apples regularly can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some type of cancers as a result of its abundant phytonutrients and potent antioxidant activity.
For pain relief, the skin of cherries has been found to be a good source of pain relief which is as effective as well as ibuprofen. Also, cherries prevent muscle soreness
Avocado fruit is an effective hair conditioner while fruits with skin gives energy. For healthier hair, eating avocado is effective.
Avocados and foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are key for a healthy scalp. Avocados are also high in vitamins B and E, which have been shown to promote hair growth.
Fruits with skin, such as apples, provide added fibre, which keeps you full longer.
Kale, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, is high in vitamin K content which has proved it can reduce the overall risk of developing or dying from cancer. It also contains a huge dose of vitamins A and C, magnesium, and fiber.
Carrots contain a wealth of carotenoids and beta carotene which helps with skin glow. Eating carrot gives the skin healthy glow.
Citrus is an important source of Vitamin C which helps the body absorb iron, boost the immune system, promote wound healing and help fight infection amongst others. Human bodies can’t naturally manufacture vitamin C, so it is through the diet that it can be ingested into the body. Other sources of Vitamin C are tomatoes, avocadoes, mangos and strawberries.
Vegetables are full of phytonutrients which it uses to fight disease, insects, fungus and radiation among others because plants are nasties defenceless. Eating vegetables allows us to absorb phytonutrients along with all the good vitamins and minerals. And these have potent anti-inflammatory effects and may even possess anti-cancer properties. They also help us detox, balance glucose and insulin, boost immunity, and more.
Eating a wide variety of fruits as part of a broader, balanced diet can reduce your risk of certain diseases and help your body stay stronger for longer.
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