PAPAYA
"Fruit of the angels" as notably called by Christopher Columbus, papaya is a delicious, sweet and musky undertone
fruit available to feast on throughout the year! Papaya has a soft and butter like consistency and was once considered
to be an exotic fruit. A papaya is rich in minerals and an important enzyme "papain', which is essential for digesting
proteins. But beyond this, papaya also contains two important nutrients, vitamin C and folate (a form of vitamin B9)
which are proved to own anti-cancer properties. vitamin C is an antioxidant and hence has the function of removing
free radicals from the body. These free radicals are the ones which in later stages prove to be damaging and reason
behind cancer initiation. folic acid again is also shown to minimise the abnormal cell growth on the lining of the cervix
and even certain cancers.
BERRIES
These tiny drupes are one of the healthiest foods and each of the types have immense properties to fight against
cancer. Berries are rich in vitamins, minerals and a particular compound anthocyanins (a component responsible for
red or blue colour in many berries) which is known to have protective qualities against cancer. Black raspberries
in particular may also thwart oesophageal tumours and colon cancer. Moreover, black raspberries which are rich in
antioxidants are said to have more cancer preventing properties than blueberries and strawberries.
ORANGES
This juicy, sweet and tangy fruit is rich in vitamin C and mostly seen on the fruits shelves in winters. Oranges
along with lemons contain a particular compound limonene that stimulates lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells)
which are a crucial class of immune cells. Lymphocytes are important for destruction of cancerous cells and aid
in breakdown of cancer causing substances.
GRAPES
A bunch of this sweet bliss is something we look ahead in early months of the year in our country. Grapes
are hailed to have immense anti-cancer properties and also taken up along with other medical treatments as
a cancer therapy fruit. Grapes (particularly the purple ones) are rich in numerous anti-cancer compounds;
that aid in killing cancerous cells.
FIGS
Dried figs are available throughout the year to savour but what beats the unique texture and taste is a fresh
one. Fresh figs are sweet with a combination of smooth skin texture, chewy flesh and crunchy seeds. To be
enlisted as the anti-cancer fruit, figs contain derivative of a compound benzaldehyde which is
found to show properties of shrinking tumours. Moreover, the fruit is rich in fibre and hence contributes its
share in reducing breast cancer risk in women. While few of the fruits enlisted here show anticancer properties,
it is important that we ensure to keep the cancerous bane at bay. If there is a history running in the family,
timely self checkup to determine the chances is important to prevent cancer. And yes keep munching and savouring
the sweet harvest of nature.
Feast On SEASONAL FRUITS
We have always been advised to eat healthy; physician, dietitian, gym instructor and even our parents
emphasise on the quality of food that we should consume to stay fit physically as well as mentally. Nature has gifted mankind with a great variety of consumables; and fruits are one such best gifts, packed wit
enhancing vitamins,minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients (plant derived micron-utrients) They look,
smell and taste ambr osial; along with their unique nutritional profile, fruits chart up to be the most helpful
food items freeing human body from diseases and in the process keeping it healthy!
Botanically, a fleshy edible structure that contains seeds of the particular plant are fruits. These fruits, low
in calories and fat, are a vital source for simple sugar, fibers and vitamins protecting us from oxidant stress,
diseases and cancers; also fighting against ailments and boosting immunity. As a product of nature, plants have a
biological clock of their own that correlates to seasonal changes, and so is the ripening of fruits.
Nature, that looks for perfection, follows a cycle to provide the healthiest fruit at the right time to fulfill
the healthy needs. Thus, not only do the fruits taste best in its seasons, but are fresher as they are also not
transported over long distances. Moreover, research has proven that natural fruits are nutritionally wealthy when
picked in the season.
Our country being the land of diversity, also experiences diverse seasonal changes with respect to the changes
in temperature, amount of rainfall and air currents, Indian climate can be thus classified into four seasons that
yield variety of fruits, such as:
SUMMER TIME
It is the time for longer days and perspiring breaks; with dreadful dehydration just around the corner ready to
attack our body's nutritional balance. It is also time to plan what we eat to bring in the necessary dietary changes.
What better than to include fresh seasonal fruits in our daily diet? Fruits that combat the scorching sun and the
accompanying health problems are beneficial to look up to during the sunny months. So make sure to pick up Melons
(Watermelons are the best), Mangoes (the king of fruits), Bananas, Oranges, Litchi, Papaya, Guavas and Grapes off
the fruits rack! Also, with the end of summer come in bunches of ruby red drupes - the cherries. This end of season
delight is rich in antioxidants and of course bliss to savour!
From lowering LDL, fighting cancer, beating cardiovascular ailments, getting over poor stamina to slowing down
the ageing process, these fruits work miraculously to give a balanced health. So ensure to make room for these
fruits in your plate during the summers!
MONSOON - RAINY BLISS!
After experiencing the unbearable heat, rains bring a blissful relief to us. But hold that thought right there,
cause with the rain comes a wide range of health issues that we have to battle, with a reduced immunity (another
drawback of monsoon). Increased humidity in the atmosphere deteriorates the digestive capa bility and therefore
type of food that is consumed plays a major role in well being
Apples, Pineapple, Mangoes, Pomegranates, Pears, Plums, Litchi and Bananas are the recommended fruits of the
monsoon season. Make sure to avoid non-seasonal fruits as they get infested with worms in the rainy season.
AUTUMN-FALL FRUITS ARE HERE!
A time of receding monsoon and yet a few bouts of violent storms and rainfall is Autumn; the fall brings a variety of
'Autumn harvest' which are both healthy and delicious. Fall fruits like apples and cranberries offer essential vitamins
and antioxidants that slow ageing process and may fight cancer. Pomegranate another autumn fruit, reduces the risk
of cardiovascular complications due to its antioxidant property. Also Pear, a major sweet fall fruit, is high in
soluble fiber which helps lower the LDL-bad cholesterol. So go get your daily dose of fiber in autumn from these
fruits and satisfy your sweet tooth!
WINTER-CHILLED OUT WEATHER
Cozy blanket...chilly mornings and decrease in temperature, creates a hibernating climate for us too! Lazy as
it may sound, we work day in and day out; so staying healthy becomes definitely not a choice but a necessity.
Worry not, cause potatoes and onions are not the only meal you will have; just a little advanced planning on
eating fresh fruits will provide you abundant nutrients and flavour all through the winter.
Grapes, grapefruits, blood oranges and clementines are the citrus fruits for the winter, that lower the risk of
ailments including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, cholera, gingivitis, cataracts and Crohn's disease. To
add on to the list citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C and flavonoids that reduce the risk of cancer, another
boon to say yes to the fruit diet!
Apart from these seasonal delights, there are fruits that are available throughout all seasons such as apples,
cranberries, bananas and many more. So experience these variety of fruits with their flavour, colour and texture,
because it is not only for the pleasure of eating fruits, but they vouch for our health and fitness!
