A mango a day...
Summer is here and so is the blistering heat, the dry wind and the dehydration. But nature provides its own balance to the climate it creates. The fruits of this season are not only delicious, but help cool down the body as well.
But some of us find that mangoes lead to boils and others discover that pomegranate leads to acidity. Naturopaths have spent a lot of time studying the effects of fruit on our individual constitutions and even prescribe certain fruits for certain ailments. So which are the best fruits to eat, and how do we make the best of them? First figure out your constitution and then read on.
PAPAYA. Available all year round, is unique in its composition as it has "papain". This is an enzyme with the capacity to digest and dissolve tough protein bonds, and this makes the fruit invaluable. Raw papaya salad is very helpful for people who have constipation (mostly vataj people); people who have low stomach acid levels which makes digestion difficult; and people who are recovering from diseases that leave them with a digestive enzyme deficiency.
Papaya is of great value to people who eat a lot of processed food. Processed food is deficient in digestive enzymes and adding papaya protects the body from enzyme deficiency. For vataj people, papaya improves digestion; pittaj people should eat small portions only, as it may cause stomachache; and kaphaj people will benefit from daily consumption.
POMEGRANATE. With vitamin C, sulphur, potassium, phosphorus, and an alkaline effect on the system, pomegranate or anar is considered good for patients of cardiovascular illnesses. Its well balanced minerals also give it good digestive properties. People with vataj constitutions are compatible with this fruit as it is sweet. Those with pittaj constitutions should consume anar in moderation, because it can be acidic in large quantities, and kaphaj people could gain weight if they eat this fruit too frequently.
MANGO. Mangoes are a rich source of vitamin A and vitamin C, and are also rich in potassium. They have an alkaline effect on the body. But they're high in sugar, so diabetics and those trying to lose weight should avoid them. Raw green mango is excellent for cooling the system. Vataj people can indulge in mangoes, and so can pittaj people as long as they soak them.
BANANA. The banana is considered a kaphaj fruit, which means that it cools the body. It is rich in potassium and also contains magnesium, copper, iodine, phosphorus, sulphur and calcium. It has some amount of vitamins A, B and C. Its carbohydrate content is ideal for people who need to gain weight. It also rectifies constipation among vataj people. Pittaj people may find it heavy if they eat it frequently, and kaphaj people should avoid it altogether. The banana's high potassium content is beneficial for the hypertensive, but people with kidney problems should eat this fruit cautiously. A banana papaya fruit chaat is good for people suffering from constipation. Banana with honey is good for weight gain and it also maintains the health of underweight tuberculosis patients.
According to naturopaths, we shouldn't drink water when we eat bananas, and under-ripe and over ripe bananas. Know your constitution Kapha: Kaphaj people have a cool and steady constitution, with very nice silky hair and a light complexion. In build, they're slightly heavy and bulky. By nature, they are calm and non-controversial but not the kind of people to just let things go by. They don't fight and are not very aggressive. They have a sluggish digestion and catch cold easily in winter. They don't like damp and rainy weather. They have a tendency to gain weight and retain water. Pita: People of the pitaj constitution are aggressive. They have reddish skin which is also acne prone. They have a strong and sturdy digestion. They are prone to acidity under stress. They are moderately built and stout, and are prone to blood problems like piles, bleeding ulcers, etc. Vata: Vataj people are very restless by nature. They speak and walk quickly. They like things to happen fast. They usually have dry skin and suffer from disorders of the nerves. A slight change in their diet can lead to constipation.
Get the best of fruit to utilize the maximum nutritive benefits of fruits; do not combine them with heavy foods like cereals, pulses, dairy, and non-vegetarian foods. Fruits are best eaten 30 minutes before a major meal and five to eight hours after a heavy meal. Do not drink water along with certain fruits, such as banana and melons. Drink fruit juices only if you are on a liquid fast. In other cases, fruit juices are considered fattening and devoid of vital fiber. Different fruits suit different constitutions. Learn to recognize the signals our bodies give us.
HT Media Ltd
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