#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.
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| 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
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
