Stop Smoking!

Stop Smoking!

Many thousands of people today are heavy smokers, not by choice, but because they have found no way of escape. They are caught in the grip of a habit developed during their teen-age years when so many young people think it is “smart “to smoke.

The strange thing is that most of these people never wanted to smoke in the first place. They were only doing what they thought everyone to smoke in the first place. They were only doing what they thought everyone else was doing at the time. Yet here is another odd thing.  Smoking is not a normal habit. A person has to learn to smoke.

Why Stop?

Why should we worry about worry about smoking? For several reasons. Smoking is not merely an expensive luxury; it plays a definite part in lowering a person’s resistance to disease. Heavy smokers die from five to ten years earlier than non-smokers. In most cases the trouble important factor is cancer of the lung. Yes, a person can save money by not smoking; but far more consequential, he saves health and vitality.

Perhaps you have never learned to smoke. Good! But many of your friends are not so fortunate. For their sakes it is well for you to understand something about this problem. Every cigarette your friends smoke leaves them just a little weaker and less able to carry on. Then why don’t they stop? Because they are addicted to nicotine, a powerful drug that is present in tobacco leaves.. Some people seem to have a real struggle. They majority continue to smoke because they get a temporary lift from the tobacco. However, this is always followed by a let-down, which then calls for another smoke.

Strange that a few brown leaves rolled up in a small wrapper or paced down in the bowl of a pipe should have such a profound effect on a person’s life. Is it a temporary way of escape from the strain of living amid constant tension? It is true that many heavy smokers are neurotics. Smoking provides a quick way out of a dilemma. Drugs present in tobacco leaves give a temporary lift, so they keep right on smoking, lightening one cigarette from the butt of another. Meanwhile the “weed” is slowly wrecking their health and shortening their lives.

Non-smokers have the Advantages

What happens when a person stop smoking? His digestion improves his blood pressure returns to normal , the quality of the blood itself  improves and his heart works more efficiently . But this is not all;  the person who gives up smoking does something really worthwhile for  his future  health. He has less chances of developing ulcers of the stomach, and he is less susceptible to heart disease during the productive year’s o f his life. He will also have less trouble with his nose and throat.

Ever hear of a “smoker’s cough”? Of course you have. Some of your friends have chronic, hacking bronchitis and maybe you do too! Inflammation of the throat is only too common in all heavy smokers. That stubborn cough is bad enough. But far more serious, the chronic irritation may also lead to cancer.

True some doctors believe other factors are also responsible. That may be. The fact remains, however, that the non-smoker has far less trouble with his throat and lungs and also with his heart and circulation, regardless of these “other factors.” Therefore, the wise person will avoid using a weed that seems to destroy his body.

Poisons in Tobacco

Actually there are eighteen different poisons in a cigarette. Some of these attack the delicate membranes of the windpipes. Others enter the blood stream and interfere with its normal circulation throughout the body. But the two most important are the tar, a carcinogenic or cancer producing substance, and nicotine.

These substances are transferred to the bronchial tubes and the lungs through the smoke, and then deposited on the mucous membranes lining these tubes, where they cause much local irritation . Infact  these mucous membranes may become four or five times thicker in the heavy smoker than in a non-smoker . This increases the resistance  to the  passage of air into the lungs and makes it that much harder for him to breathe.

Extracts of these substances are used to by scientists to produce cancer in mice and other experimental animals. Why take such poisons into your own system and run the risk of developing cancer of the lung?

Nicotine is one of the most potent substances known to man. As a poison it is second only to the cyanides in its destructive effect on the human body. Fortunately, much of the nicotine is destroyed when the tobacco is burned,  but enough of it gets into the smoker’s lungs to give him a “lift”. This is temporary, however. Soon his artificially stimulated nerves call for another smoke , and so on and on . This is how nicotine creates addiction to tobacco.

Ho?

How to stop w can people actually stop smoking .Naturally the first thing to do is to STOP. Whether you decide to stop for just and hour at a time during the first day , and two hours the next and three hours the next day , or whether you plan to stop altogether is a personal matter which you alone must decide . Almost every smoker who genuinely wishes to stop will have a real struggle to face. What should he do? Here are a few steps he can take.

Stay away from other smokers as much as possible, particularly during the next few weeks. This will reduce temptation and strengthen your resolve not to start again.

Become a vigorous campaigner against the use of tobacco in any form. This may bore some of your friends for awhile, but in the end you may be able to help them too. And certainly in the process you bolster your own resolve.

Take two hot baths every day and follow them with stimulating cold showers. This will help you physically and strengthen your will to succeed.

Take plenty of exercise including deep breathing, like Pranayama is good. Long walks in the open air several times each day. This will clean out the lungs and improve your sense of well being.

Watch your diet. Be sure to take large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables .These are an excellent antidote against the poisons of tobacco. In fact, if you were to eat little except fruit and vegetables for the next few weeks you would soon lose your desire to smoke. If necessary, take small meals more frequently to stabilize your blood sugar. This will also help to calm your nerves during this time of stress.

Don’t go hungry for long. Eat regularly and do not attempt to lose weight while you are trying to break the tobacco habit. You may gain a few pounds, but don’t worry about this just now. You can lose it later if need be.

Avoid highly seasoned foods, alcohol, tea and coffee. These have probably encouraged your carving for tobacco. They have spoiled your appetite for normal foods that build the body. Omit such things as pepper, mustard, spices and all hot condiments from you diet. For the present you should even be careful about taking excessive amounts of salt. Drink at least ten glasses of water a day the first week. Taking a drink helps to reduce the craving for tobacco. If you will follow these instructions you will soon be surprised at the new flavors you are discovering in your foods.

Get rid of all your cigarettes and every vestige of tobacco you possess. It is not safe to keep any smoking materials handy just now. The temptation to start using the stuff may prove too great.

Commit yourself to God every day and every hour, Asking Divine help whenever you feel the carving to smoke. Power from above is always available to those in need.

Do not falter in your resolve to conquer this habit, for it is well worth all the effort you will be force to make.

Once you have solved this problem you will be surprised at how much better you feel. Your heart will beat quietly, your nerves will be calm, and your pulse strong and steady. Your breath will be sweet and clean, your muscles relaxed and your mind will be in control of itself. This will give you new moral and intellectual power, for you are no longer enslaved by a filthy habit. From now on you will enjoy better health and under the blessing of God, you will know true satisfaction and happiness.

 Danger Signals of cancer

Tumor or swelling: This is always a danger sign. Any swelling of the tissues anywhere in the body should always be looked on with suspicion. Even a goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, may become malignant at some time or other . If there is any doubt, one should see a good surgeon.

Loss of Weight: Any loss of weight can be serious. This should always be thoroughly investigated, particularly in older people. Sometimes the loss of weight occurs so slowly this. But whatever the cause , something should be done about it. A complete record of a person weight should always be kept, preferable in your doctor’s office.

Change of Color. This is another cause of concern. It could be due to slowly developing anemia, arising from something depressing the normal functions of the bone marrow. Cancer will sometimes produce these changes. So will other serious types of illness. One should have a complete examination, as will as a blood count, urinalysis, and whatever X-rays may be indicated.

Chronic Sores. Any sore that does not heal within two or three weeks could be due to cancer of the skin. Such sores found on the face, hands arms and other parts of the body. There is no use putting ointment on the sore and hoping it will heal. If it is a cancer, it must be treated properly. Surgery and X-ray radiation are the best means at present available.

Unusual Bleeding or Discharge: Certain discharges from the body are perfectly normal. They are necessary for the health of the system. But any unusual discharge or bleeding should be looked  upon with strong suspicion . This could arise from cancer. Such conditions should be given a most thorough investigation.

Warts and Moles: Moles and blemishes are exceedingly common. Many people also have warts; These are hard, dry growths in the skin. They come and go without any obvious cause. Usually they are perfectly harmless. But any sudden change in the appearance of a wart or mole should be reported to your doctor at once, such changes are sometimes due to the presence of cancer.

Persistent Indigestion: Many people are troubled with occasional bouts of indigestion .These episodes arise from a discovered stomach, which is often irritated by improper foods. Nervous problems are another common cause of gas and indigestion. Such symptoms are often present all through life. But if a person suddenly notices he has indigestion more frequently, it is high time to see his doctor and have an X-ray of this stomach and bowel. Cancer may be lurking within.

Difficulty swallowing: Most of us have no difficulty in swallowing! In fact , if we did it might be better for our waist line !but when a person suddenly experiences difficulty in swallowing , it is time to do something about the condition . The trouble may not be due to cancer, But what ever the cause , it should be corrected.

Hoarseness: cancer of the larynx , or voice box is not very common. But it does occur. If a person suffers from hoarseness for more than a week or two , he should consult a specialist in nose and throat diseases . There may be tumour on one of the vocal cords.

Chronic Cough: coughing is associated with many different diseases . A chronic cough might be due to cancer of the lung. An X-ray of the chest is always advisable.

Changes in bowel Habits. Any sudden change in normal bowel habits should be carefully investigated. An X-ray of the lower bowel should be done and a complete proctoscopic study carried out . One should be done and a complete proctoscopic study carried out. One should never test until these organs have been thoroughly examined. Such changes may be due to cancer. Fortunately, this type of malignancy usually responds well to proper treatment, which generally includes surgery.

Yogic Diet

Yogic Diet

By Dr.VS.Suresh Phd., Email:bksureshv@gmail.com

Yogic Diet

A diet that is conducive to the practice of Yoga and spiritual progress can be rightly termed Yogic Diet. Diet has intimate connection with the mind. The mind is formed out of the subtlest portion of food. Sage Uddalaka instructs his son Svetaketu as follows: Food when consumed becomes threefold, the gross particles become excreta, the middling ones flesh and the fine ones the mind. Again you will find in the Chhandogya Upanishad: By the purity of food one becomes purified in his nature; by the purification of his nature he verily gets memory of the Self, and by the attainment of the memory of the Self, all ties and attachments are severed.

Diet is of three kinds, viz., Sattvic diet, Rajasic diet and Tamasic diet. Milk, fruits, cereals, butter, tomatoes, cheese, spinach are Sattvic food-stuffs. They render the mind pure. Fish, eggs, meat, etc., are Rajasic food-stuffs. They excite the passionate nature of man. Beef, onions, garlic, etc., are Tamasic food stuffs. They fill the mind with inertia and anger. Lord Krishna says to Arjuna in the Gita (XVIII: 8-10): The food which is dear to each is threefold. Hear thou the distinction of these. The foods which increase vitality, energy, vigour, health and joy and which are delicious, bland substantial and agreeable are dear to the pure. The passionate man desires foods that are bitter, sour, saline, excessively hot, pungent, dry and burning and which produce pain, grief and disease. The food which is stale, tasteless, putrid, rotten and impure is dear to the Tamasic.�

Food is of four kinds. There are liquids which are drunk; solids which are pulverised by the teeth and eaten; some solids which are taken in by licking; and soft articles that are swallowed without mastication. All articles of food should be thoroughly masticated in the mouth. Then only they can be readily digested, easily absorbed and assimilated in the system.

The diet should be such as can maintain physical efficiency and good health. The well-being of a man depends rather on perfect nutrition than on anything else. Various sorts of intestinal diseases, increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, lack of high vitality and power of resistance, rickets, scurvy, anaemia or poverty of blood, beriberi, etc., are all due to faulty nutrition. It should be remembered that it is not so much the climate, as food which plays a vital part in producing a healthy strong man or a weakling suffering from a host of diseases. A knowledge of the science of dietetics is essential for every man if he wants to keep up physical efficiency and good health. He should be able to make out a cheap, well-balanced diet from certain articles of diet. Then only all the members of his family will be hale and hearty. What is wanted is a well-balanced diet but not a rich one. A rich diet produces diseases of the liver, kidney, pancreas. A well-balanced diet helps a man to grow, and turn out much work, increases his body weight and keeps up the efficiency and a high standard of vigour and vitality. A man is what he eats. This is a truism indeed.

Food is required for two purposes: 1) to maintain our body-heat and 2) to produce new cells and to make up for the wear and tear of our bodies. Foodstuffs contain proteins, carbohydrates, hydrocarbons, phosphates, salt, various kinds of ashes, water, vitamins, etc. Protein substances are nitrogenous. They build the tissues of the body. They are present in abundance in dal, milk, etc. They are called �tissue-builders�. Proteins are complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen and sometimes sulphur, phosphorus and iron. Starches are carbohydrates. They are present in abundance in rice. Carbohydrates are �energy-producers� or heat givers. Carbohydrates are substances, like starch, sugar or gum and contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrocarbons or fats are present in ghee and vegetable oils. Fats are compounds of glycerine with fatty acids. The human machine of the body necessarily needs lubrication. Butter, cream, cheese, olive-oil, groundnut-oil, mustard-oil are good for lubrication.

A well-balanced diet is one in which the different principles of diet that go to keep the body and mind in perfect health and harmony exist in proper proportions. Milk is perfect food, because it contains all nutritious principles in proper well-balanced proportions. The protein, fat and carbohydrate should be in right proportion. They should be of the right kind also. If a diet contains too much of one thing or too little of another, if it is faulty in one way or the other by being deficient or preponderating in one or more important constituents of food, then it is called an ill-balanced or faulty diet. This will lead to malnutrition, stunted growth, physical deficiency, etc. Many diseases take their origin from malnutrition. If the food is nutritious, wholesome and well-balanced, one has good power of endurance and physical efficiency. If he has physical efficiency he can turn out more work. Some take milk as an animal diet, while some others regard egg as vegetable diet. All these people are under a delusion. Milk is a vegetable diet, while egg is an animal diet. This is the emphatic declaration of learned sages. Yogic students should give up eggs. All the nutritive principles are found in milk, butter, cheese, fruits, almonds, tomatoes, carrots and turnips.

The important digestive juices are saliva in the mouth, gastric juice in the stomach, and pancreatic juice, bile and intestinal juice (succus entericus) in the small intestines. Saliva is alkaline. It is secreted by the salivary glands. It digests starches. Gastric juice is acidic in reaction. It contains hydrochloric acid. It is secreted by the gastric glands. It digests proteins. Pancreatic juice digests starches, proteins and fats. It contains three kinds of digestive ferments. It is manufactured by the pancreas. Bile is secreted by the liver. It digests fats. The food-stuffs are rendered into chyle by the action of these digestive juices, which is absorbed by the lacteals of the small intestines.

Gluttons and epicureans cannot dream to get success in Yoga. He who takes moderate diet, he who has regulated his diet can become a Yogi. That is the reason why Lord Krishna says to Arjuna: Verily Yoga is not for him who eateth too much, nor who abstaineth to excess, nor who is too much addicted to sleep, nor even to wakefulness, Arjuna. Yoga killeth out all pain for him who is regulated in eating and amusement, regulated in performing actions, regulated in sleeping and waking(Gita, VI: 16,17). Take pleasant, wholesome and sweet food half-stomachful, fill the quarter-stomach with pure water and allow the remaining quarter free for expansion of gas. This is moderate diet.

All articles that are putrid, stale, decomposed, fermented, unclean, twice-cooked, kept overnight should be abandoned. The diet should be simple, light, bland, wholesome, easily digestible and nutritious. He who lives to eat is a sinner but he who eats to live is a saint. The latter should be adored. If there is hunger, food can be digested well. If you have no appetite do not take anything; give rest to the stomach.

A good quantity of food overworks the stomach, induces capricious appetite and renders the tongue fastidious. Then it becomes very difficult to please the tongue. Man has invented many kinds of dishes just to satisfy his palate and has made his life very complex and miserable. He calls himself a civilised and cultured man when he is really ignorant and deluded by the senses. His mind gets upset when he cannot get his usual dishes in a new place. Is this real strength? He has become an absolute slave of his tongue. This is bad. Be natural and simple in eating. Eat to live and do not live to eat. You can be really happy and can devote much time to Yogic practices.

A Yogic student who spends his time in pure meditation only, wants very little food. One or one and a half seer of milk and some fruits will suffice. But when he comes on the platform for work he wants abundant nutritious food. A man who does immense labour (physical work) wants more food.

Meat is not at all necessary for the keeping up of health. Meat-eating is highly deleterious to health. It brings a host of ailments such as tape-worm, albuminuria and other diseases of the kidneys. After all, man wants very little on this earth. Killing of animals for food is a great sin. Instead of killing the egoism and the idea of mine-ness ignorant people kill innocent animals under the pretext of sacrifice to Goddess but it is really to satisfy their tongues and palates. Horrible! Most inhuman! Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah. Ahimsa is the first virtue that a spiritual aspirant should possess. We should have reverence for life. Lord Jesus says: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.Lord Jesus and Mahavir shouted at the top of their voice: Regard every living being as thyself and harm no one. The law of Karma is inexorable, unrelenting and immutable. The pain you inflict upon another will rebound upon you and the happiness you radiate to another will come back to you, adding to your happiness.

Dr. J. Oldfield, Senior Physician, Lady Margaret Hospital, writes: Today there is the chemical fact in the hands of all, which none can gainsay that the products of the vegetable kingdom contain all that is necessary, for the fullest sustenance of human life. Flesh is an unnatural food, and therefore, tends to create functional disturbances. As it is taken in modern civilisation, it is infected with such terrible diseases (readily transferable to man), as cancer, consumption, fever, intestinal worms, etc., to an enormous extent. There is little need for wonder that flesh-eating is one of the most serious causes of the diseases that carry off ninety-nine out of every hundred people that are born.

Meat-eating and alcoholism are closely allied. The craving for liquor dies a natural death when the meat diet is withdrawn. The question of birth-control becomes very difficult in the case of those who take meat-diet. To them mind-control is absolutely impossible. Mark how the meat-eating tiger is ferocious, and the cow, elephant, which live on vegetable matter are mild and peaceful! Meat has a direct evil influence on the compartments of the brain. The last step in the spiritual advancement is the giving up of meat-diet. The divine light will not descend if the stomach is loaded with meat-diet. In large meat-eating countries cancer mortality is very high. Vegetarians keep up the sound health till old age. Even in the West in the hospitals, doctors are now putting patients on vegetable diet. They convalesce very quickly.

Pythagoras, the Grecian Sage, condemned meat diet as sinful food! Just hear what he says: Beware! O mortals, of defiling your bodies with sinful food! There are cereals, there are fruits bending the branches down by their weight, and luxurious grapes on the vines. There are sweet vegetables and herbs, which, the flame, digestive fire, can render palatable and mellow. Nor are you denied milk nor fragrance of the aroma of the thyma flower, the bountiful earth offers you an abundance of pure food and provides for meals obtainable without slaughter and bloodshed.

If you want to stop taking mutton, fish, etc., just see with your own eyes the pitiable, struggling condition at the time of killing sheep. Now mercy and sympathy will arise in your heart. Then you will determine to give up flesh-eating. If you fail in this attempt, just change your environments and live in a vegetarian hotel where you cannot get mutton and fish. Move in that society where there is only vegetable diet. Always think of the evils of flesh-eating and the benefits of a vegetable diet. If this also cannot give you sufficient strength to stop this habit, go to the slaughter house and butchers shop and personally see the disgusting rotten muscles, intestines, kidneys and other nasty parts of the animal, which emit bad smell. This will induce Vairagya in you and a strong disgust and hatred towards meat-eating.

It is not only heinous but an atrocious crime to kill a cow or a goat which gives invaluable milk, butter, etc. O self-deluded ignorant cruel man! do not kill these innocent beings. Terrible torture awaits you on the day of judgment. You are morally responsible for all your acts. The law of Karma is infallible. Killing of cows tantamounts to killing ones own mother. What right have you got to take away the lives of these innocent animals which give you milk to nourish your body? This is a most brutal, inhuman, heart-rending act. The slaughter of cows, goats and other animals should be immediately stopped by legislation. The animal that is taken for slaughter causes various sorts of poisons in the blood on account of its fear and anger. The vegetarian diet can fully supply the dietetic needs of the body. Therefore, such cruelties are unwarranted.

I shall speak a word now on vitamins. Vitamins are also required in the diet. They build the bodies. If they are absent or deficient, the body cannot grow and deficiency diseases such as rickets, scurvy, etc., result. They are present in very small quantities in foods. They are like a spark which ignites the fire of nutrition. There are four important kinds of vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Vitamin D. Vitamin A is present in milk. Vitamin B is present in the unpolished rice and tomato juice. Deficiency of Vitamin B causes beriberi. Those who eat polished rice get this disease. Vitamin C is found in vegetables, fruits and green leaves. This vitamin is destroyed by cooking, tinning. Sailors suffer from scurvy, because they cannot get fresh vegetables and fruits during long voyage. They generally take with them the juice of lemons. This prevents the development of scurvy. Vitamin D is present in milk, butter, eggs, cod-liver oil, etc. Absence or deficiency of vitamin D causes rickets in children.

Food is nothing but a mass of energy. Food supplies energy to the body and mind. If you can draw this energy from your pure will, if you know the Yogic technique of absorbing the energy directly from the sun or cosmic Prana, you can maintain the body with this energy and can dispense with food altogether. The Yogi gets Kayasiddhi or perfection of the body.

If food is completely digestible it will produce constipation. Food should contain some residue of fibres or husks which will form faecal matter. No water should be taken when digestion is going on in the stomach. It will dilute the digestive juice and impair digestion. You can take a glassful of water when you have finished your meals.

Where can Sannyasins who live on public alms get a well-balanced diet? They get on some days pungent stuffs only, on some other days sweetmeats only, on some other days sour things only. But they draw the required energy through the power of meditation. This unique, Yogic method is unknown to the medical profession and scientists. Whenever the mind is concentrated, a divine wave bathes all the tissues with the divine elixir. All the cells are renovated and vivified.

Fasting is interdicted for practitioners of Yoga as it produces weakness. Occasional mild fast is highly beneficial. It will thoroughly overhaul the system, will give rest to the stomach and intestines and eliminate uric acid. Yogic students can take one full meal at 11 Oclock, a cup of milk in the morning and half a seer of milk and 2 bananas or 2 oranges or 2 apples at night. The night meals should be very light. If the stomach is loaded, sleep will supervene. A diet consisting of milk and fruits alone is splendid menu for students of Yoga.

Simple, natural, non-stimulating, tissue-building, energy-producing, non-alcoholic foods and drinks keep the mind calm and pure and help one in Yogic practices and in the attainment of the goal of life. Source : the science of Pranayama

Apple and nutritional importance in diet

Apple and Its description and nutritional importance in diet

By Dr.VS.Suresh Phd.,  Email : bksureshv@gmail.com

Apple is always considered as an important fruit for health. "An apple a day really  keeps the doctor away " a famous old saying shows the  nutritional importance of apple in diet .

Botanical Name  of apple :: Malus sylveslris
Indian Name of apple :: Seb or Sev

The apple is a sub-acid fruit and one of the most valuable of all the fruits It is a fleshy fruit, with tough skin, ranging in color from greenish yellow to red. It is usually five to seven cm in diameter and has pinkish or yellowish white flesh. The apple is considered "protective" and most wholesome food. Apart from its energy value, it plays an important role in the normal development of metabolic functions-i.e. the chemical and physical changes that take place within the body and enable its continued growth and functioning

Origin and Distribution
The apple is a native of Eastern Europe and Western Asia and has been cultivated from pre historic times. It has mentioned in the annals of old China, Babylon and Egypt. The Bible also contains several 'references to this fruit. The Scandinavians called it the "Food of Gods" and believed that it possessed medicinal properties to regenerate both mind and body. In India, apples are grown in the hilly areas of Kashmir , Kulu and Kumaon. Nearly 7,500 varieties of the fruit are grown all over the world
Food Value
The apple is a highly nutritive food.1t contains minerals and vitamins in abundance. The food value of the apple is chiefly constituted by its contents of sugar which ranges from 9 t0 51 percent. Of this, fruit sugar constitutes 60 per cent and glucose 25 percent and cane sugar only 15 per cent.
Apple*
Food Value Minerals and Vitamins
Moisture - 84.6% Calcium - 10 mg
Protein - 0.2% Phosphorus - 14 mg
Fat - 0.5% Iron - 1 mg
Minerals - 0.3% Vitamin A - 40 IU**

Fibre - 4.0% Small amount of Vitamin E, H and B Complex
Carbohydrates - 13.4% Calorific Value - 59
* Values per 100 gm's edible portion ** International Unit
Raw apples generally contain a small quantity of starch which gels wholly converted into sugar during the process of ripening. The acid content of the apple is also increased together with the sugar. This acid is constituted mostly by malic acid which is completely utilized by the body.
The skin of the apple should not be discarded when taking it in raw form as the skin and the flesh just below it contain more vitamin C than the inner flesh. The vitamin content decreases gradually towards the centre of the fruit The skin also contains five times more vitamin A than the flesh.

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties of Apple.
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 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.
• Anemia : - Apples, being rich in iron, arsenic arid 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 lake 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.
• Constipation and Diarrhea : - Apples are beneficial in the treatment of both constipation and diarrhea. Raw apples are good for constipation. At least two apples should be taken easily for proper evacuation of bowels Cooked or baked apples are good for diarrhea The cooking process softens the cellulose and provides bulk to the feces.
• Dysentery : - Apples have beer found useful in acute and chronic dysentery among children. Ripe and sweet apples should be crushed into pulp and given to the child several times a day, from one to four tablespoon, according to age, in this disorder. The American Medical Association has also advocated the use of apples as therapeutic agent in dysentery.
• Stomach Disorders : - A natural 'apple medicine' for the disturbed stomach is prepared by slicing a whole apple and gently pounding it until it becomes slightly mashed. It may be sprinkled with cinnamon or honey The entire mashed apple may be eaten except for the stem and seeds It should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. This preparation should be taken several times between meals for beneficial results The all natural medicinal substance, pectin, in the mashed apple works to create a protective coating action by virtue of its qualities as an absorbent and demulcent i.e. the soothing agent. Shreded apple, mixed with a tablespoonful of honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, constitute an excellent stomach tonic and an appetizer. It should be taken before meals. It stimulates sluggish digestive juices and this facilitates assimilation of food for healthful results.
• 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.
• Heart Disease :- Apples are of special value to heart patients. They are rich in potassium and phosphorus but low in sodium. From ancient times, apple with honey is considered a very effective remedy for functional disorders of heart. Recent researches by Dr. Elizabeth Barret Cannor of California University have revealed that people who consume plenty of potassium through food items are likely to escape heart attacks. Apples, as a good source of potassium, help in the alleviation of heart disease.
• High Blood Pressure :- Apples are considered invaluable in the cases of high blood pressure. The apple diet has a rapid and considerable diuretic effect causing increased secretion of urine and thus bringing down blood pressure to normal. It also relieves the kidneys by reducing the supply of sodium chloride to a minimum In addition, it lowers the sodium level in the tissues because of the high level of potassium in apples.
• 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. Apples, boiled to a jelly, make 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.
• Eye Disorders :- The apple peel water is an excellent medicine for the inflamed eyes both as a beverage and as an eye wash. This beverage is prepared by putting the peelings in a pan, well covered with water. The water should be brought to boiling point and allowed to simmer gently for a few minutes. The water should then be strained off and some honey be added to it.
The over-ripe apples are useful as a poultice for sore eyes The pulp is applied over the closed eyes and is held in position with a bandage. It is allowed to remain there for one to two hours.
• Dental Disorders :- Tooth-decay can be prevented by regular consumption of apples as they possess a mouth cleansing property. Dr. T.T. HanKs in his book, Dental Survey, says, "Apples have mouth cleansing property that no other fruit possesses, and taken after meals, they have the same effect as a tooth brush in cleansing the teeth, with the added advantage that the acid content, aside from its nutritive value, is of assistance in promoting the flow of saliva in the mouth, which is also beneficial to the teeth". The acid of the apple also exerts an antiseptic influence upon the germs present in the mouth and teeth when it is thoroughly chewed. Apples are thus regarded as a natural preserver of the teeth and should be taken in all tooth troubles.
• Promotes Vigour and Vitality :- The apple is the best fruit to tone up a weak and run-down condition of the human system. It removes all deficiencies of vital organs and makes the body stout and strong. It tones up the body and the brain as it contains more phosphorus and iron than any other fruit or vegetable. Its regular consumption with milk promotes health and youthfulness and helps build healthy and bright skin. It .has a calming and relaxing effect and is good especially for sedentary workers.
Uses 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.
Precautions :-
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.

Importance of fruits in Diet

Importance of fruits in Diet

Dr.VS.Suresh Phd.,

Importance of fruits in diet

Fruits are one of the oldest forms of food known to man. Infact, Adam, the first man ate an apple according to christianity. The forbidden fruit of heaven. There are many references to fruits in ancient literatur. Vedas state that fruits form the base of the food of Gods. According to Quran, the fruits like grape,date, fig olive and pomegranate are the gifts and heavenly fruits of God.

The people in ancient times regarded fruits to be endowed with magic or divine properties. They gave them due reverence and dedicated them to their gods and goddesses. They also used their designs in decorating temples, vestments or ceremonial garments and sacred vessels.

Fresh and dry fruits are the natural staple food of man. They contain substantial quantities of essential nutrients in a rational proportion. They are excellent sources of minerals , vitamins and wnzymes. They are easily digested and exercise a cleansing effect on the blood and digestive tract. Persons subsisting on this natural diet wil always enjoy good health. Moreover, the ailments caused by the intake of unnatural foods can be successfully treated by fruits. Frsh and dry fruits are thus not only a good food but also a good medicine.

Natural benefits of Fruits.

Fruits have highly beneficial efect on the human system. The main physiological actions of fruits are as follows:

Hydrating Effect

Taking of fruits or fruit juice is the most pleasant way of hydrating the organism. The water absorbed by sick persons in this manner has an added advantage of supplying sugar and minerals at the same time

Diuretic effect

Clinical observations have shown tha potassium , magnesium and sodium contents of the fruit act as a diuretic and diuresis frequency of urination is considerably incrased when fruits thereby accelerate the elimination of nitrogenous waste and chlorides. As, however, fruits contain a very low level of sodium, they make a valuable contribution to a salt free diet.

Alkalinising Effect. The organic acids of the salts in the fruits produce alkaline carnbonates, when transformed with in the organism, which alkalise the fluids.

All fruits promote intestinal elimination. This keeps the body free from toxic wastes which creep into the blood from an overloaded , sluggish intestinal tract. The carbohydrates of fruits are chiefly in th eform of sugar , dextrin and acids which are easily b digestible and are completely absorbed . Hence, they are very useful for sick and invalids for quick energy and heat.

Mineralising effect: Fruits furnish minerals to the body . Dried fruits such as apricots , raisins and dates are rcih in calcium and iron. There minerals are essential for strong bones and good blood respectively. Some fruits , like custard apple, furnish calcium to the extent of 800mg. per fruit , which is sufficient to meet our daily requirement ofthis mineral.

Laxative Effect: The fibrous matter in fruits , cellulose, aids in the smooth passage of the food in the degestive tract and easy bowel action. The sugars and organic acids contained in fruits also increase their laxative efect . Hence , regular use fruits prevents and cures constipation.

Tonic Action

Fruits , as dependable sources of vitamins, exert a tonic effect in the body. Guavas, custard apples and citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges are particularly valuable sources of vitamin C. These fruits are usaually eaten fresh and raw, thus making the vitamins fully available to us. Several fruits contain good amounts of carotene which gets converted to vitamkin a in the body. A medium sized mango can provide as much as 15000 international unit o vitamin A which is sufficient for full one week and this vitamin can be stored in the body. The common papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C and carotene.

Fruits are at their best when eaten in the raw and ripe state. In cooking, they lose portions of the nutrient salts and carbohydrates. They are most beneficial when taken as a separate meal by themselves , preerable for breakfast in the morning . A combination of fruits with vegetables is not considered good. If it becomes necessary to take fruits with regular food , they should form a larger proportion of gthe meals. Fruits , however , make better combination with milk than with meals . It is also desirable to take one kind of fruit at a time.

In case of sickness, it will be advisable to take fruits in the form of juice . However , juice should be taken immediately after extraction as it begins to decompose quickly and loses it s properties.

Fruit Cure

Fruits are highly beneficial in maintaining acid-alkaline balance in the body . They neutralise the toxic condition of the body resulting from excessive intake of acid-forming fodds and restore its alkalinity . They help clear the system of morbid waste and cater to the body’s requirement of natural sugar, vitamins and minerals .

Adolf just, the world famous naturopath in his book, Return to Nature states , “ Fruits alone contain healing draughts for man; nature offers them redymade, they taste deliciously and are sure to cure all his suffering and disease. Fruit contains nectar and ambrosia “.

Fasting is considered as Nature’s oldest and most effective mothod of treating disease. The best and safest way of fasting is juice fasting/. The procedure is to take the juice of an orange or any other juicy fruits , such as grapes , grapefruit, mosambi and pineapple, diluted 50:50 with water, every two hours from 8:00pm. Nothing else , what soever, may be taken as other wise the value of the juice fast will be entirely lost. Canned or frozen juices should not be used. The total daily liquid intake should be about six to eight glasses.

Vitamins, minerals, enzymes and trace elements contained in fresh fruits juices are extremely beneficial in normalising all the body processes. They supply needed elements for the body’s own

DR.SURESH'S HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE EMAIL : bksureshv@gmail.com

Fruit Cure

Fruits are highly beneficial in maintaining acid-alkaline balance in the body. They neutralize the toxic   condition of the body resulting from excessive intake of acid –forming foods and restore its alkalinity. They help clear the system of morbid waste and cater to the body’s requirement of natural sugar, vitamins and minerals.

Adolf Just, the world famous Naturopath, in his book Return to Nature  states, “Fruits alone contain healing draughts for man; Nature offers them readymade, they taste deliciously and are sure to cure all his sufferings and disease. Fruits Contains nectar and ambrosia.”

Fasting is considered as Nature’s Oldest and most effective method of treating diseases. The best and safest way of fasting is ‘juice fasting ‘. The procedure is to take the juice of an orange or  any other juicy fruits , such as grapes ,mosambi, grapefruit and pineapple, diluted in 50:50 with water, every two hours from 8.am to 8p.m . Nothing else, whatsoever, may be taken, as otherwise the value of the juice fast will be entirely lost. Canned or frozen juices should not be used. The total daily liquid intake should be about six to eight glasses.

 Vitamins, minerals, enzymes and trace elements contained in fresh fruit juices are extremely beneficial in normalizing all the body processes. They supply needed elements for the body’s own healing activity and cell regeneration and thereby speed up the recovery. Each day, while fasting it should be ensured that the bowels are cleansed of the toxic matter thrown off by the self cleansing process set up by the body. This can be done by a warm water enema.

Next to the short juice fasting, the all fruit diet is nature’s finest eliminating medium. The value of fresh juicy fruits in diseases by the cleansing of tissues, is incalculable. The all fruit diet is highly beneficial particularly in cases of bronchitis, rheumatism, chronic catarrh and constipation as it fills the body with life- giving mineral salts.

In the case of the all-fruit Diet , one should take three meals a day of fresh, ripe juicy fruits such as apples, pears , grapes, oranges, grapefruit,pineapple,peaches,melon or any other juicy fruit in season. Bananas should, however not be taken nor should any other foodstuff be added to the fruits diet. For drinks, plain water or unsweetened lemon water may be taken.

Curative Properties of Fruits

Moreover, certain  fruits can combat specific ailments. It should , however be remembered that in  the therapeutic use of any fruits as a treatment for specific disease, nothing except that particular fruit or its juice should be taken in the system at the time of treatment. Thus , when utilizing lemon juice as a food remedy,, the juice should be taken at least half an hour before consuming any other food.

It has been found that fruit sugars, calcium ,iron , vitamins A,B-complex and C control the gradation of heart energy. Hence , eating fruits like apple ,lemon, orange , and pomegranate can aid the proper functioning o f the heart and keep it healthy even in old age. Fruits like apple, date and mango have a direct action on the central nervous system. The phosphorus ,glutamic acid and vitamins A and B-complex of the fruits  exert a protective and tonic effect on the nerves. Hence , regular use of the these fruits in the diet will sharpen memory and prevent nervous exhaustion, mental tension, hysteria and insomnia.

All berries, being extremely rich in iron , phosphorous and sodium , are highly beneficial for blood building and nerve strengthening. The lemon can be a good food remedy in case of liver ailments, indigestion and rheumatism. Watermelons make the best kidney cleansers. The water flushes through the kidneys and the traces of various minerals contained in the water act healing agents.

The soothing qualities o f pineapple  and pomegranates are helpful in catarrh, hay fever and other chronic nasal and bronchial ailments. The common cold may be treated with grapefruit juice. The juice helps rout the infection by activating the organs of elimination.

Fresh and fully ripe fruits like grapes, apples, bananas and figs are best suited for all brain deficiencies. They contain a superior quality of easily assimilable sugar which transformed into physical energy that refreshes the brain. The kernel of walnut is a positive remedy for weakness of the brain .

A generous intake of fruits in the diet will enable a person to lead a healthy life. Fruit s  prevent all diseases and keep a person smart, energetic and active all through his life up to the ripe old age.

DR.SURESH'S HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE Email :bksureshv@gmail.com

Cucumber and it's natural benefits

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.


1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog & provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent Undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the Collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential Nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints?  Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the photochemical will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!