#Apple: Fruit of the month

 #Apple: Fruit of the month

                                    

                                                Apples

Think of something that is fresh, organic, crunchy, sweet and healthy to bite. The first thing that comes in my mind is apple. Apple trees are one of the most cultivated trees throughout the world. They are probably the earliest trees to be cultivated by man. Blossoms of the apple tree are produced in spring and the fruit matures in autumn.

Botanical name: Malus domestica

Common name: Apple

Hindi name: Seb

Family: Rosaceae

Parts used: Fruits

Origin: Originally from central Asia, apple is an old fruit grown for over three thousand years. At present the apple tree cultivation is done in almost all the continents of the world.

Apple tree Blossoms

Belief: The beliefs associated with this fruit are varied and interesting. From Romans to Greeks all have some folk stories inspired by this luscious fruit. This beautiful fruit and its lovely blossoms have caught the eyes of many painters, story tellers, poets etc. making it an interesting way of expressing the inner desires and dreams. It’s believed that apple was the fruit shared by Eve and Adam.

Useful components: Apples are a good source of Vitamin C and  B- complex vitamins along with fiber and anti-oxidants. They also contain some amount of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, iron and calcium. All these components are essential for optimum growth and overall wellbeing.

Properties and benefits: Traditionally raw apples stimulate Vata dosha.They have a positive effect on Pitta and Kapha Doshas. However when peeled and cooked with spices, it has the ability to balance the doshas. Apple fruit is cooling, sweet, sour and astringent in taste. It provides relief in constipation, bleeding gums and stomatitis. As the skin is hard to digest and may cause gas, peel and chew a raw apple about an hour after meals. This cleans the tongue and teeth and may help in relieving constipation too. Apple juice is helpful in Pitta conditions. It’s helpful in reducing burning sensation in gastritis, colitis and bladder infections.

Being rich in bioflavonoids makes apple a good source of vitamin C. They also contain fiber pectin. This is helpful in lowering cholesterol and blood lipid levels.Apple is an excellent rejuvenator that strengthens the immune system and heart. Apple contains malic acid, thus it is helpful in reducing blood uric acid levels. It has the ability to cleanse the intestines. One can easily reduce weight by following a simple apple diet i.e. have 1 apple before each main meal. This really works as I have tried it on many patients.

Recipe:

Apples cooked in spices for Autumn

Ingredients:

1 large apple

1/3  cup water

Pinch of each  nutmeg

                      cinnamon

                       cardamom

                       saffron    (powdered spices)
 Some raisins as per taste

1 inch piece of ginger (grated)

¼ tsp ghee (optional)

Sugar or honey (if needed)

Method:

Peel and chop apples. Toss in a pan with all the ingredients. Simmer on medium heat till soft. This takes approximately 5-6 minutes. The apple cooked in the spices is a healthy option for breakfast or an evening snack. It is helpful in maintaining the balance of Doshas in the Autumn season.

It is believed in Ayurveda that fruits picked at wrong time i.e. when they are under or over ripe and fruits eaten in the wrong season i.e. fruits from the cold storage which are available in stores when they are naturally not in season, are not healthy to eat. They create digestive toxins or ama in the body. So in order to have maximum nutritional benefits its best to eat local seasonal fruits preferably ripened on the tree. This ensures better digestion and maximizes the nutritional benefits of that fruit to the body.

Enjoy the seasonal gifts from nature, Eat healthy and Be Positive With Life J

© Dr.Moninder kaur 2013