January 29, 2010

Fruits For Stomach Disorders And Ailments

Posted in Category : Foods that Heal

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a well-known adage that most of us have grown with. Recently conducted research shows us that this saying is far more relevant today than we consider it to be. Most of us are already aware that it is highly recommended to complement our diet with the daily consumption of fresh fruits. However, few of us would be aware that in the absence of medication, these fresh fruits can be as useful and effective as many medications that can be obtained from the pharmacist.

Studies have long shown that fresh fruits have several natural healing properties in addition to being effective in enhancing good health. A case in point is the humble banana. The banana fruit is an excellent source of a substance known as pectin. When the fruit is consumed, the pectin is beneficial in absorbing water and also acts as a laxative. The consumption of a couple of ripe bananas, first thing in the morning upon waking, is considered to be extremely effective in preventing constipation. The consumption of bananas also has an added advantage, in preventing acidity.

Another fruit which is considered to be very effective in tackling stomach ailments is the papaya. The papaya is known to treat and alleviate the discomfort caused by several ailments of the digestive system. Consuming a ripe papaya a couple of times a day can lead to lower possibilities of constipation. The fruit is also effective in alleviating the pain caused by digestive disorders such as piles or hernia. Fresh lemons are also known to have a host of health benefits. Since ancient times, lemons have been considered to be an excellent source of vitamin C. Previously, disorders such as scurvy were prevented by giving sailors a couple of slices of fresh lemons daily. Freshly squeezed lemon juice too, is believed to be very effective in curing ailments such as common colds and bad throats.

All kinds of fruits are considered to have excellent sources of vitamins. Each fruit is unique in terms of specific vitamins and as a remedy for a certain ailment. One such useful fruit is guava. This fruit has a high content of vitamin C and is believed to be excellent for preventing colds and other infections. Oranges too are an all-time favorite believed to contain large amounts of vitamins A, B and C. Gooseberries and grapes too, are known to have a high content of vitamin C while pomegranates, grapefruits and apricots are also known to be effective against many ailments.