|
Apples are invaluable in the maintenance of
good health and in the treatment of many ailments. It was said long ago,
'to eat an apple before going to bed will make the doctor beg his
bread'. The modern version of this ancient saving, 'an apple a day keeps
the doctor away', sums up the healthful and nourishing qualities of
apples. The apple is generally taken raw and is used as a dessert fruit.
Apples can be used as a salad and taken with other fruits, or cooked or
baked. They can also be used in the form of dried apple, apple jelly,
apple juice or cider and vinegar. Freshly prepared apple juice is one of
the best fruit juices.
The active medicinal principle of apple is
pectin, natural therapeutic ingredient found in the inner portion of the
rind and the pulp. Pectin aids in detoxification by supplying the 'galacturonic
acid' needed for the elimination of certain harmful substances. It also
helps to prevent decomposition of protein matter in the alimentary
canal. The malic acid contained in the apple is beneficial to the
bowels, liver and brain.
Apples should not be consumed on an empty
stomach as it may lead to indigestion. Apples are often sprayed with
poisonous chemicals to prevent them from decay, the fruits should be
thoroughly washed and cleaned in all possible ways before consumption.
Anemia
Apples, being rich in iron, arsenic and
phosphorus, are highly beneficial in the treatment of anemia. It will be
particularly useful in the form of freshly prepared apple juice. It may
be taken in quantities of 1 kg daily with beneficial results. The best
time to take the juice is half an hour before meals and just before
retiring to bed. The cider should be drawn from selected apples which
should be thoroughly washed before crushing.
Headache
Apples are highly beneficial in the
treatment of all types of headache. A ripe apple, after removing the
upper rind and the inner hard portion should be taken with a little salt
every morning on empty stomach in such cases. This should be continued
for about a week. It will yield good results even in cases of disgusting
chronic headache.
Rheumatic Afflictions
Apples are regarded an excellent food
medicine for gout, arthritis and rheumatism especially when these
diseases are caused by uric acid poisoning. The malic acid contained in
them is believed to neutralize the uric acid and afford relief to the
sufferers. When boiled to a jelly stake, it makes a very good liniment
for rheumatic pains. They should be rubbed freely on the affected area.
Dry Cough
Sweet apples are valuable in dry hacking
cough. Nearly 250 grams of sweet apples should be taken daily for about
a week to obtain relief.
Kidney Stones
Apples are useful in kidney stones. In
countries where the natural unsweetened cider is the common beverage,
cases of stone or calculus are practically absent. The ripe fresh fruit
will be more valuable.
|
