Author Archives: Dr. Vaidya Karanvir Singh

The Apricots are absolutely delicious fruit. Intake of Apricots can be in two different forms- 

• FRESH WET FORM– Directly from the tree.
• DRY FORM- After drying of the fresh fruit in sun
• 175 degrees Fahrenheit  or 79 degree Celsius will work well for drying up the apricots.

It is the national fruit of Armenia, mostly it’s grown in the Ararat plain. It is often depicted on souvenirs.

SUN DRIED APPRICOTS-

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION-

SCIENTIFIC NAME-  Prunus armeniaca

HIGHER CLASSIFICATION- Plum

CONSERVATION STATUS- Endangered (Population is decreasing)

FAMILY-  ROSACEAE (ROSE FAMILY)

COMMON NAME-  Apricot

Hindi name-  Khubani, Khumani

Kannada- Aepricot, Jaradaalu

Ladhaki- Chuli

Sanskrit- Urumana

Urdu- Khubani, Maghz badam shirin

Manipuri- Malhei 

It is a small tree.

HEIGHT of tree- 8–12 meter (26–39 feet) tall

Height of trunk- 40 centimeter (16 inch) in diameter with a dense, spreading canopy.

LEAVES- Shape- Ovate and 5–9 centimeter (2.0–3.5 in)in Length and 4–8 cm (1.6–3.1 in) width, base is round and tip is pointed with finely serrated margin.

FLOWERS-  2–4.5 centimeter (0.8–1.8 in) in diameter, with 5 white- pinkish petals. In Early Spring they are produced singly or in pairs before the leaves. 

FRUIT- It is drupe having similarity with small peach and having a diameter of 1.5–2.5 cm (0.6–1.0 in)  (sometimes its larger in some modern cultivars)

Color– yellow to orange, often tinged red when ripened by exposure to the sun

Surface– Smooth (botanically called as: glabrous) or Velvety touch with very short hairs (botanically called pubescent). 

Flesh- Firm and not very juicy

Taste- Ranges from sweet to tart. 

SEED- Single seed is enclosed in a hard or stony shell called a “stone” or “kernel“. The texture is grainy, smooth texture exception is the three ridges running down one side.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

• Nutrients- It is enriched with carbohydrate, it is good source of fibers, protein, minerals & vitamins. 
• It is very rich in bioactive phytochemicals that have certain roles 
• In  the  biological  system  and shows some effects in  prevention of  Oxidative stresses.
• It carries a reasonable amounts of dietary fiber as it provides necessary roughage and bulk to the food.
• It stimulates normal gastric mobility thus preventing constipation.
• Soluble fiber present in it helps to lowers blood cholesterol.
• It maintains  blood  sugar  level  and  helps  in reducing body  weight.
• Essential  minerals- Major  elements are potassium,  phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron & selenium, while sodium,  manganese, zinc  and  copper  are  also  present  in  small amounts
• Vitamins- pro- vitamin A, vitamins C, K, E, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine(B6), folic  acid  (B9)  and  pantothenic  acid. 
• Organic  acids – malic  acid, tartaric, succinic, 
• oxalic,  galacturonic,  quinic,  malonic,  acetic  and  fumaric 
• Phytochemicals- Its fruit contains following Phytochemicals-  aspolyphenols  (phenolic  acids  and flavonoids)  and carotenoids.
• Phenolic compounds- It plays an important role for the living system. The polyphenols and carotenoids are present in Apricots.

MEDICINAL BENEFITS- 

They are small but having mouthwatering Flavor and enriched with nutrition and Boost up your digestive Health.

• They are highly nutritious and low in calories
• Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Full of Antioxidants
• It promotes your eye health i.e. because of  Vitamin A(Prevents Night blindness) and Vitamin E(Fat soluble antioxidants that enters directly and protect from free radicals)
• Due to presence of Vitamin A and C this fruit gives you natural glow i.e. boost up your skin health.
• Promotes your gut health.
• High potassium content is found in Apricots which lowers your Blood pressure hence preventing heart attacks.
• It hydrates your body as it is having high water content.
• It protects your liver from oxidative stress and prevents the Liver damage.
• Good choice for diabetics as they are quite low in calories and dietary fiber present in it can regulate the blood sugar level.
• It fights against inflammation so it is helpful in Irritable Bowel Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
• It can ease the symptoms of accumulation of fat in the liver or in case of Fatty liver.
• The fiber content in the Apricot fruit lowers the levels of cholesterol and prevents your heart-related diseases like atherosclerosis. 
• Good source of iron content in this fruit can be used as a preventive measure against Anemia.
• Nutrients that are present in this fruit stimulates certain brain cells (known as tanycytes) which make us feel full and control your appetite which further aids in Weight loss and maintain good metabolism.
• It is full of nutrient so can be used during pregnancy in a moderate amount.
• This fruit is good for your Bone health as it is rich in Calcium, potassium and other minerals.
• It aids in Respiratory problems like Cold, Flu, Asthma etc.
• It is used to treat skin disorders and delay the Signs of ageing.

What is Dragon Fruit?

Dragon Fruit is a Unique fruit with Unique name and having Unique Taste.

It commonly grows in a climbing cactus known as hylocereus (“hyle,” means “woody,” and  “cereus,”  means “waxen.”). It is commonly known as the white fleshed Pitaya or Pitahaya from the family Cactaceae. 

From some reports it is indigenous to the America but still the native of this species is never been resolved. 

CULTIVATION- Mostly in Southeast Asia, India, United States, the Caribbean, Australia Mesoamerica and throughout tropical and subtropical world regions. 

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION-

STEM- scandent (climbing habit), creeping, sprawling or clambering & branched profusely. There can be 4–7 of them, between 5 and 10 m or longer, with joints from 30–120 cm or longer, and thickness of 10–12 cm with generally 3 ribs 

Margins- corneous (horn-like)and undulate with age.

Areoles- It is the small area that is bearing spines or hairs on a cactus, are 2 mm across with internodes 1–4 cm. Spines on the adult branches are 1–4 mm long,  acicular (needle-like) to almost conical and color is grayish brown to black and with a deep green epidermis and spreading.

Flowers- Scented, nocturnal flowers, Length- 25 to 30 cm, Width- 15 to17 cm with the pericarpel-  2.5 to 5 cm long.

Colour of flower – greenish-yellow or whitish, rarely rose-tinged; inner tepals are lanceolate (tapering to a point at the tip) to oblanceolate or pointed at the base.

Stamens- 5 to10 cm long, are declinate, inserted in one continuous zone from throat to 35 mm above the pericarpel and cream. The style (bearing the stigma) to 17, they are 5 to 24.5 cm long, stout, 6 to 8 mm thick, cream, and up to 26 stigma lobes, they can be whole or sometimes split at the top, cream and about 25 mm in length.

Fruit– oblong to oval with Magenta Exterior and white or purple flesh

Size-  6 to12 cm long, 4 to 9 cm thick, red with large bracteoles, having white pulp and edible black seeds.

SCIENTIFIC NAME- Selenicereus undatus 

FAMILY-  Cactaceae

VERNACULAR NAMES-

• English- Pitahaya, dragon fruit, Night blooming cereus, Strawberry pear, Belle of the Night, Cinderella plant, Jesus in the cradle, moonflower.
• Dansk: Dragefrugt
• French: Pitaya, fruit du dragon, poire de chardon
• German: Drachenfrucht
• Greek: fruto tu draku
• Hawaiian: panini-o-ka-puna-hou or Punahou cactus. 
• Japanese: Pitaya (ピタヤ), Dragon fruit (ドラゴンフルーツ),
• Korean: Yong-gwa (용과, 龍果)
• Portuguese: pitaia, cato-barse, cardo-ananaz,rainha da noite
• Spanish: Pitahaya roja (Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela); flor de caliz, pitajava (Puerto Rico); junco, junco tapatio, pitahaya orejona, reina de la noche, tasajo (Mexico)
• Swedish: skogskaktus, röd pitahaya
• Vietnamese: thanh long
• Thai: แก้วมังกร (kaeo mangkon)
• Malay: buah naga. pronounce:boo-ah naa-gaa
• Italian: Pitahaya, Frutto del Drago
• Bengali: ড্রাগন ফল or dragon fal
• Lithuanian: kertuotis

NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF THE FRUIT-

• It is enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants that are good and boost up your immune system.
• Iron is very important for moving  the oxygen throughout your body and further  raises your energy levels.
• It is enriched with iron thus helps to maintain iron levels in the body and vitamin C helps in iron absorption in the body.
• Rich in Healthy Fibre, protein, low fat and cholesterol free.

AYURVEDIC VIEW-

Pitaya or Dragon Fruit is juicy and Bright colored

RASA or TASTE- Sweet taste 

It can be described as a cross between a kiwi, a pear and a watermelon.

Seeds- Nutty flavor

By looking at its properties and taste it Pacifies the Pitta Dosha in the body.

Deepana and Pachana- It enlightens the digestive fire and helping in overall health. 

MEDICINAL BENEFITS-

• Weight loss-  If you are someone who is fed up of extra fat in our body and become healthy, You should add on this fruit to your diet. This fruit can be added to your diet as it is having low calorie
• It is a good source of fibre making you will feel full for a long time and overeating would be Avoided. 
• Pregnancy- It is a good source of iron and thus helps in prevention against the anemia in pregnancy. 
• Inflammation- Pitaya benefit you in chronic pain as it contains anti-inflammatory properties, thus helps in getting rid of inflammation.
• Skin Health- Fruits and nuts are great sources to improve your skin quality. Some essential nutrients like Vitamin-C and Antioxidants present in this fruit benefits your skin to get relief from pimples, fine lines, age spots, acne, and wrinkles
• The Antioxidants help to unclog your pores, repair damaged cells, and thus giving you a natural glow. 
•  Blood sugar level: If you are a Diabetic then add on this fruit to your diet as it improves your Blood Sugar level. 
• Immunity Booster: It is a rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Health-related problems can be prevented by the use of this fruit as it boosts up your immunity.
• ANTI CANCEROUS- This fruit contains Lycopene antioxidant which is known to prevent the cancer. This antioxidant helps to reduce the free radicals that leads to cancer problem.
• Digestive Health- In Ayurveda it is said that all the disease are produced by the decrease in digestive fibre i.e. almost all diseases are related to your guts health. This fruit benefits to improve your gut health because it is a good source of fibre and fibre helps to improve digestion. If you are suffering from irregular bowel, definitely add this fruit in your diet.
•  Cardiovascular health: This fruit benefits you to prevent the chances of a heart attack and stroke. Further it helps to improves your cardiovascular health leading to prevention against the cardiovascular diseases.
• The fruit is having tiny seeds which are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Omega-3 fatty acids help to improve your blood circulation and thus reducing the risk of blood flow. 

The scientific name of cherry is prunus avium because it is considered one of the most romantic fruits. Cherry is a very tasty fruit. Cherry fruit looks very beautiful. Cherries are red, black and yellow. It tastes sour and sweet as it contains many nutrients.

Medicinal Properties of Cherry

Cherry is rich in many nutrients, which keeps our body healthy. Cherry helps in maintaining immunity, cancer, eyes, brain, constipation, skin, heart, sleep, weight, hair, arthritis, diabetes, blood pressure and bones.

Nutrients in Cherry

Cherries include thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin B6, patothenic acid, niacin, folate, potassium, manganese, copper, iron, calcium, phosphorus, calories,

Carbohydrates, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, anthocyanin, beta carotene, flavonoids, phenonic acid, iron, zinc, magnesium, zinc, iron, sugars, pigments, tannins, boron, vanadium, iodine, cobalt, molybdenum, copper, nickel, rubidium , Fluorine, chromium, folic acid etc. nutrients are found.

You can eat cherries in any way, you can dry cherry or eat it with juice or you can eat it as fresh fruit. For good benefits of cherries, a person should consume 60-100 grams of cherries per day.

Benefits of Cherry

1. Beneficial in immunity – Cherry Goods for Disease Resistance

Due to today’s increasing pollution, the immunity ability of people has become very weak, due to which any person becomes prone to any disease quickly. It is also due to lack of nutrients in the body.

Cherries are very beneficial for such people. Cherry contains vitamin C and anti-oxidants which enhance the immunity of our body as well as strengthen it. Apart from this, an element called melatonin is also found in it, which works to increase this action.

2. Beneficial in Cancer

In today’s time, the problem of cancer has become a very common problem. Today, we get a case in the newspaper every day, people who have died of cancer, such people should consume cherries.

Consumption of cherries can greatly reduce the chance of cancer because cherries contain phenonic acid and flavonoids that prevent cancer from growing by killing the cancer-enhancing bacteria.

3. Beneficial for the eyes 

Today’s generation concentrates less on reading and more on searching, due to which the entire emphasis is on their eyes, which also causes eye diseases. Cherry is a very good fruit for such people and children.

Consuming cherries also reduces problems like cataract and increases the light of our eyes because vitamin A is found in cherries which is very beneficial for the eyes.

4. Beneficial for the Brain 

There are many people who have little ability to remember and they forget things very quickly. Such people can strengthen their memory by consuming cherries because cherries have a red pigment called anthocyanin which acts as an antioxidant.

This element strengthens the memory power of your brain, so you should consume cherries as it is very beneficial for your brain.

5. Beneficial for constipation 

If you have remittance from constipation problem then consuming cherries is very beneficial for you. If you eat cherries, then your constipation problem will be solved because the amount of fiber is found in cherries which helps a lot in digestion. Therefore, if you are suffering from constipation, then you should consume cherries.

6. Beneficial for Skin 

If your skin glows or has become oily, there are spots on the skin, then you can consume cherries. Benefits of Cherry: Consumption of cherries eliminates all skin-related problems because cherries contain vitamin A, B , C and E are found in very good quantity which plays a very important role in making the skin healthy as well as making it beautiful and blemish-free.

7. Beneficial for Heart 

If you are suffering from heart related problems, consuming cherries can be of great benefit to you as cherries contain mineral salts like potassium, iron, zinc, iron, calcium, beta carotene, sodium, cholesterol, zinc and magnesium which make the heart Preventing diseases protects us from diseases related to our heart.

8. Cherry Goods For Insomnia

At one time, people prefer to drink and dance in a pub instead of crying at night, due to which they suffer from sleeplessness at night. So when they try to sleep they do not sleep.

In such a situation, if you consume cherry, then it proves very beneficial for you because drinking cherry juice keeps your mind and body calm, which makes you easy to sleep. Hence the

9. Beneficial in losing weight

In today’s time, all the work gets done sitting in one place, due to which the man does not have to work too hard, as a result of which his weight starts increasing. If you have gained weight, then you should consume cherries.

Consuming cherries reduces your weight greatly because cherries contain 75% water and soluble fiber is also found, due to which our body gets energy along with our digestive system. It also reduces cholesterol, which also causes you to lose weight.

10. Beneficial in hair 

If your forces are dry, less shiny, light and fall, then cherries will prove to be a very good fruit for you because by consuming cherries you can make your hair shine back along the lane and make them long and soft. . If you want to make your hair healthy then you must consume cherries.

11. Beneficial in Arthritis

People who start to have high amounts of urin acid in their body, their hands and feet become swollen and also experience a lot of pain, which is a symptom of arthritis.

If you too are suffering from arthritis then you can get rid of this problem by consuming cherries because cherry is anthocyanin which cures arthritis. So if you are suffering from this disease, then you should take 10 or 15 cherries a day, but the taste of cherries should be sour.

12. Beneficial for diabetes 

Cherry is a very beneficial fruit for people who have diabetes. Consuming cherries can control diabetes because cherries contain a chemical called anthocyanin which increases the amount of insulin in our body and also reduces the body’s diabetes level. Therefore, people who are diabetic must take cherries.

13. Beneficial in blood pressure control 

If your blood pressure is not under control due to the increasing cholesterol in your body, then you should consume cherries. Cherry contains potassium which reduces cholesterol and also keeps blood pressure under control. So if you are troubled by the problem of blood pressure, then you must consume cherries.

14. Beneficial for bones 

Along with increasing age, people also have to face problems related to bones, which is also a reason for the weakening of bones. This is due to the lack of calcium and vitamin C in their body.

If you are also struggling with this problem, then you should consume cherries. By doing this, the amount of calcium and vitamin C in your body is replenished, which are very beneficial for collagen and tissue, by which its bones are strengthened.

DESCRIPTION

SCIENTIFIC NAME – Cocos nucifera  

FAMILY–  recaceae

The coconut tree stems from the Southeast Asian (probably Malaysia), but is cultivated in tropical regions all around the world. The slender, leaning, ringed trunk of the coconut rises up to 25 meters (80 feet) from a swollen base and is surrounded by a graceful crown of giant featherlike leaves. Mature fruits are ovoid or ellipsoid in shape, 6–8 inches in diameter, have a thick fibrous husk surrounding the familiar single-seeded nut. A hard shell encloses the insignificant embryo. Most of the world coconuts are produced on small native plantations. Full bearing is obtained in 15 years. Yields continue benefits until trees are about 50 years old. Coconuts are rich in manganese, which is essential for maintaining bone health and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. They are also rich in copper and iron, which help to form red blood cells, an important antioxidant that protects your cells.

COCONUT MILK CONTENT

• Calories: 552g 
• Fat: 57 g Saturated fat: 50 g
• Protein: 5.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 5 g 
• Sugar: 8 g

COCONUT WATER CONTENT

• Calories: 46 
• Fat: 0.5 g 
• Saturated fat: 0.4 g 
• Protein: 2 g 
• Carbohydrates: 9 g 
• Fiber: 3 g 
• Sugar: 6 g

COCONUT OIL CONTENT

• Calories: 121 
• Fat: 13 g 
• Saturated fat: 11 g 
• Protein: 0 g 
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g 
• Sugar:  0 g

HOW DOES COCONUT WATER WORKS 

Coconut water higher in carbohydrates and electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium. The electrolyte composition in coconut water help to treat and prevent dehydration.

COCONUT BENEFITS

COCONUT OIL ON SKIN 

It helps to protect and hydrates the skin, reduce dryness and allow your skin to retain moisture. It provides a protective barrier, helping skin from environmental toxins, dirt and other. It smooth’s skin, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, calms temporary redness, provides antioxidants, absorb easily in the skin and soothes irritated skin.

COCONUT OIL ON HAIR 

Coconut oil help in hair growth deep into its follicles. Coconut oil make healthy scalp and fighting against insect bites, lice and dandruff. Coconut oil moisturizes dry hair. Coconut oil provide luster, shine and softness to the hair. Coconut oil prevents hair breakage and split ends, it help to slows down hair loss.

COCONUT ROLE ON DIGESTION 

Coconut and its derivatives promote healthy digestion in many ways. Coconut oil has anti-microbial properties that promoting healthy gut. Coconut have its anti-inflammatory properties which can help with disorders such as IBD. Coconut meat is excellent source of fiber, while coconut water promotes hydration and digestion. Coconut have protein that helps to develop immunity to the digestive diseases. Coconut milk has anti-ulcer properties which help to reduce ulcers.

COCONUT ROLE ON WEIGHT LOSS

Coconut water has more minerals as compared to any other fruit juices. Other fruit juices may added or hidden sugar. Coconut water is not just low in calories but also have less sugar as compared to other fruit juices. Consuming coconut water on an empty stomach early in the morning can help you not in one way but many ways. Coconut contains lauric acid that helps in boosting immunity. It helps to fight with dehydration and constipation and relieve morning sickness and heartburn in pregnant women.

COCONUT ROLE ON PREGNANCY

Coconut water during pregnancy help in hydrating and provides electrolytes. It replaces lost electrolytes such as potassium, sodium and magnesium from morning sickness. Coconut water may soothe acid reflux. Coconut water contains small amounts of some minerals, provide macro- and micronutrients needed for fetal and maternal health. Women’s who have high blood pressure during pregnancy coconut water regulating blood flow and blood pressure because potassium present in it which help to regulate the blood pressure. 

COCONUT WATER ROLE ON KIDNEY 

Coconut water also helps in dissolving kidney stones because of the presence of potassium, which plays a key role in urine alkalizing and preventing the formation of kidney stones.

The anjeer (fig) is a native of the Asia, Middle East, and turkey and widely cultivated in the USA and Spain. Anjeer belongs to mulberry family and scientifically termed as ficus carcia. Figs are superlative sweet fruits with several crunchy seeds. Dried figs are rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium and zinc.

Anjeer Ayurvedic Benefits-

It is an extremely sweet and astringent fruit which is hard to digest and has cooling power. According to Ayurveda principles anjeer helps in balancing the pitta and vata doshas. Anjeer have diuretic, laxative and expectorant properties. It is useful in urinary stone problems. In addition, figs are amazingly good for women for regulate the menstrual cycle. 

THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF ANJEER-

1. Regulate blood pressure-

Excessive amount of sodium in the diet can lead to potassium deficiency, which causes high blood pressure.  The profusion of potassium in fig helps in regulating high blood pressure. Richness of fiber in figs can help to flush extra sodium from the system. 

2. Treats sexual problems-

Anjeer is a wonder fruit and highly used for treating various dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction, low stamina and sterility. Anjeer is rich source of vitaminB6, A, calcium, potaccium and magnesium. These minerals increase the semen production. Figs are also useful in adolescent girls to regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate PMS symptoms. Dried figs are high in amino acids and its work as a good aphrodisiac fruit by increasing vitality and libido.

3. INCREASE DENSITY OF BONES-

Figs are an amazing source of both calcium and potassium. These minerals can helps to improve bone density, which can prevent and treat osteoporosis. The Researchers says that a potassium-rich diet can improve bone health and reduce bone turnover.  Calcium is a main component of bones, and increasing calcium intake has been shown to improve bone mineral structure in children and adolescents. 

4. Treats piles-

Anjeer has the natural laxative and antispasmodic properties. Figs are used as a traditional remedy for treating hemorrhoids (piles). Due to its laxative property it aids in lowering the pressure on the rectum.

5. Helps in insomnia-

Dry anjeer is more beneficial in sleep disorders. It is a great sleep inducing fruit. The richness of tryptophan enzymes promotes sound sleep by improving blood circulation in the body.

6. Good For skin health-

Wrinkle free skin-

The impressive antioxidant and anti-collagenase properties of anjeer extract is favorable for lessening wrinkles and makes the skin look supple. Moreover, anjeer extract works as a natural remedy for hyperpigmentation, acne and wrinkles it is also improves the skin hydration. 

Anjeer essence is used widely in various skin formulations which have proven to reduce the skin melanin, water loss and sebum. 

Radiant Skin-

Fresh figs are used in face masks for getting instant glow.  Make a paste of fresh figs, gently apply on your face and allow it to stay for 15 -20 minutes and rinse well with lukewarm water, this will make the skin glow naturally and look vibrant. The abundance of nutrients in anjeer such as vitamin, E, A and C and potent antioxidants is highly beneficial to alimentation the skin and rejuvenate skin cells. Even the richness of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants maintain the skin pH balance and promotes blood circulation.

Treats Warts

The latex of the anjeer tree shows an amazing antiwart property. Fig is been used large scale in traditional fruits of the medicine for treating various skin problems like eczema, vitiligo, SLE and psoriasis. The proteolytic activity of latex enzyme aids to remove warts on the body without causing any side effects.

Figs for Hair Health-

Figs are incredibly high on iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A and E which play an important role in promoting growth of stronger tresses. Figs extract are impressive  formulation used in the beauty industry for strengthening and improving hair moisture, conditions tangled mane, makes the hair frizz- free, look lustrous and strong.

Fig Leaf Tea-

Fig leaf tea is made out of dried fig leaves, these tea varieties are refreshing herbal drink which boosts energy. Ajeer leaf tea also uplifts mood.

Contraindications-

People with pollen allergies should avoid Fig fruits. Fig fruit is generally safe for consumption which does not have any major side effects. However, it may have a least laxative; hence it may induce lax stools or diarrhea if consumed in large quantities