26 October 2004
13 October 2004
FRUIT FACTS
APPLE
The apple tree, which originally came from Eastern Europe and southwestern Asia, has spread to most temperate regions of the world. Over the centuries, many hybrids and cultivars have been developed, giving us the 7,000 varieties in the market today. The first trees to produce sweet, flavourful apples similar to those we enjoy today, were located many thousands of years ago near the modern city of Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan. Apples have long been famous or infamous, given the pivotal role played by an apple in the biblical story of Adam and Eve. In the Swiss story of William Tell, an archer is arrested and then promised his freedom if he can shoot an apple off his son’s head with an arrow. In Norse mythology, apples were given a more positive persona: a magic apple was said to keep people young forever. Apples’ appearance in history occurred in the 1800s in the U.S., when Johnny Appleseed—a real person named John Chapman, despite the mythological quality of his tale—walked barefoot across an area of 100,000 square miles, planting apple trees that provided food and a livelihood for generations of settlers.
Apple contains sugars, fruit acids, pectin, vitamins A, B1, C, fibre , minerals. It has been found that eating apples helps to reduce blood cholesterol, improve bowel function, lung function, reduce risk of stroke, cancer, Type II diabetes, respiratory diseases due to the presence of antioxidants and asthma. Besides therapeutic benefits, apples are also found to play a role in inhibiting ageing-related problems, preventing wrinkles and promoting hair growth (due to compound named procyanidin B-2) , aid digestion and weight-loss.
According to the FAO estimate of the UN for the year 2003, China, USA and France are the highest producers of Apples in the world. India ranks tenth with a production of 1,420,000 MT.
MANGO
The mango known as the 'king of fruit' throughout the world, is native to southern Asia, especially Burma and eastern India where they have been grown for more than 4,000 years. It spread early on to Malaya, eastern Asia and eastern Africa. They were introduced into Australia in the 1800s and to California (Santa Barbara) in 1880. Mangoes were brought to England and Europe after the English occupied India in 1800's. The name 'mango' is derived from the Tamil word 'mangkay' or 'man-gay'. When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India they adopted the name as 'manga'. The mango is a member of the Anachardiaceae family. Other distant relatives include the cashew, pistachio, Jamaica plum, poison ivy and poison oak.
Mangoes are an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, as well as a good source of Potassium that helps to replenish and contain beta carotene. Mangoes are high in fiber that helps to prevent certain type of cancer and lower blood cholesterol, but low in calories (approx. 110 per average sized mango), fat (only 1 gram) and sodium. Mangoes contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties that act as a digestive aid and is a very good tenderizing agent. A mango-a-day helps to spare the gruesome details regarding constipation, piles and spastic colon.
India is the world’s largest mango producer, growing nearly 1000 varieties of mango and contributing over 50 per cent of the world’s total mango production of approximately 10,500,000 MT followed by China and Thailand according to the FAO estimates of the UN for the year 2003.
BANANA
Bananas are thought to have originated in Malaysia around 4,000 years ago and are mentioned for the first time in history in buddhist texts 600 years BC. From there, they spread throughout the Philippines and India, where they were recorded growing by Alexander the Great’s army in 327 B.C. Bananas were introduced to Africa by Arabian traders and discovered there in 1482 A.D. by Portuguese explorers who took them to the Americas.
Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, carbohydrates and B vitamins a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Banana is also a source of vitamin C, A and high levels of potassium. The natural fiber in bananas contribute to the many health benefits like healthy bowels, cardiovascular health, protection from stokes, protection from ulcers, improve blood pressure, may boost mood, help reduce water retention. Bananas are also low in calories and fat, plus they have a high water content and potassium level.
India is the highest producer of Bananas with a production of 16,450,000 MT followed by Brazil and Ecuador according to the FAO estimate of UN for the year 2003.
ORANGES
Oranges, the most important citrus crop in the world, originated thousands of years ago in Asia, in the region from southern China to Indonesia from which they spread to India. Although Renaissance paintings display oranges on the table in paintings of The Last Supper, the assumption that they were grown in this region at this time seems to be erroneous since oranges were not cultivated in the Middle East until sometime around the 9th century.
The strongly acidic fruit of the bitter oranges stimulates the digestion and relieves flatulence. An infusion of the fruit is thought to soothe headaches, calm palpitations, and lower fevers. The juice helps the body eliminate waste products, and, being rich in vitamin C, helps the immune system ward off infection. If taken to excess, however, its acid content can exacerbate arthritis. The essential oils of bitter orange, especially neroli, are sedative. In Western medicine, these oils are used to reduce heart rate and palpitations, encourage sleep, and soothe the digestive tract. Diluted neroli is applied as a relaxing massage oil. The distilled flower water is antispasmodic and sedative.
According to the FAO estimate of the UN for the year 2003, Brazil, USA and Mexico are the top three producers of oranges in the world. India ranks sixth with a production of 2,980,000 MT.
PAPAYA
Papayas, reputably called “the fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus., native to Central America, have been long revered by the Latin American Indians. Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought papayas to many other subtropical lands to which they journeyed including India, the Philippines, and parts of Africa. In the 20th century, papayas were brought to the United States and have been cultivated in Hawaii.
Papayas offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system, bowel syndrome, immune system, prevention of recurring ear infections, cold, flu and also provide protection against colon cancer. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. The severity of diseases that are worsened by inflammation, such as asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is reduced by consuming papaya.
According to the FAO estimate of the UN for the year 2003, Brazil, Mexico and Nigeria are the top three producers of papaya in the world. India ranks fourth with a production of 700,000 MT.
GRAPES
In ancient history, grapes were considered the food of the gods. They were found in the Egyptian tombs and the Bible, being referred to as the “fruit of the vine.”, is filled with stories about the joys and sorrows resulting from the fermented juices of this fruit. Grapes have grown wild since prehistoric times, evidence suggests they were cultivated in Asia as early as 5000 BC. There are between 40 and 50 different varieties of grapes which come in a multiple of greens, whites, reds and purples.
Grapes are an excellent source of potassium which encourage an alkaline blood balance and also stimulate the kidneys and regulate heart beat. The restorative power of grapes is phenomenal, cleansing the liver and removing the uric acid from the body. Grape fruit contains sugar, acids, pectin, pigments, vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, and C, ionized water (80%), trace elements and seeds contain anthocyanins, polyunsaturated oil, flavonoid compounds include quercitin, as well as a second flavonoid-type compound (falling into the chemical category of stilbenes)called resveratrol, an excellent candidate for use as a cancer-preventive agent in prostate, lung, liver and breast cancer. Both compounds appear to decrease the risk of heart disease by Reducing platelet clumping and harmful blood clots and protect against Macular Degeneration.
According to the FAO estimate of the UN for the year 2003, Italy, France and Spain are the top three producers of Grapes in the world. India ranks fourteen with a production of 1,200,000 MT.
PINEAPPLE
While pineapples are thought to have originated in South America, they were first discovered on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Columbus and other discovers brought pineapples back to Europe. The new fruit was eventually carried to India, Africa, China, and the East Indies-warm places where the tender plants could reach maturity by the Spanish and Portuguese explorers.
Pineapple has significant levels of vitamins A and C. It contains bromelain, a protein-splitting enzyme that has been shown to increase bleeding time, reduce the aggregation of platelets, reduce inflammation and swelling and has proved effective in killing parasites such as worms. The sour, unripe fruit improves digestion, increases appetite, and relieves dyspepsia: In Indian herbal medicine, pineapple is thought to act as a uterine tonic. The ripe fruit cools and soothes, and is used to settle gas and reduce excessive gastric acid. Its significant fiber content makes it useful in constipation. Pineapple is an excellent source of thiamin, riboflavin, two B vitamins, trace mineral manganese, which is an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses.
According to the FAO estimate of the UN for the year 2003, Thailand, Philippines and Brazil are the top three producers of Pineapples in the world. India ranks fourth with a production of 1,100,000 MT.
The apple tree, which originally came from Eastern Europe and southwestern Asia, has spread to most temperate regions of the world. Over the centuries, many hybrids and cultivars have been developed, giving us the 7,000 varieties in the market today. The first trees to produce sweet, flavourful apples similar to those we enjoy today, were located many thousands of years ago near the modern city of Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan. Apples have long been famous or infamous, given the pivotal role played by an apple in the biblical story of Adam and Eve. In the Swiss story of William Tell, an archer is arrested and then promised his freedom if he can shoot an apple off his son’s head with an arrow. In Norse mythology, apples were given a more positive persona: a magic apple was said to keep people young forever. Apples’ appearance in history occurred in the 1800s in the U.S., when Johnny Appleseed—a real person named John Chapman, despite the mythological quality of his tale—walked barefoot across an area of 100,000 square miles, planting apple trees that provided food and a livelihood for generations of settlers.
Apple contains sugars, fruit acids, pectin, vitamins A, B1, C, fibre , minerals. It has been found that eating apples helps to reduce blood cholesterol, improve bowel function, lung function, reduce risk of stroke, cancer, Type II diabetes, respiratory diseases due to the presence of antioxidants and asthma. Besides therapeutic benefits, apples are also found to play a role in inhibiting ageing-related problems, preventing wrinkles and promoting hair growth (due to compound named procyanidin B-2) , aid digestion and weight-loss.
According to the FAO estimate of the UN for the year 2003, China, USA and France are the highest producers of Apples in the world. India ranks tenth with a production of 1,420,000 MT.
MANGO
The mango known as the 'king of fruit' throughout the world, is native to southern Asia, especially Burma and eastern India where they have been grown for more than 4,000 years. It spread early on to Malaya, eastern Asia and eastern Africa. They were introduced into Australia in the 1800s and to California (Santa Barbara) in 1880. Mangoes were brought to England and Europe after the English occupied India in 1800's. The name 'mango' is derived from the Tamil word 'mangkay' or 'man-gay'. When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India they adopted the name as 'manga'. The mango is a member of the Anachardiaceae family. Other distant relatives include the cashew, pistachio, Jamaica plum, poison ivy and poison oak.
Mangoes are an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, as well as a good source of Potassium that helps to replenish and contain beta carotene. Mangoes are high in fiber that helps to prevent certain type of cancer and lower blood cholesterol, but low in calories (approx. 110 per average sized mango), fat (only 1 gram) and sodium. Mangoes contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties that act as a digestive aid and is a very good tenderizing agent. A mango-a-day helps to spare the gruesome details regarding constipation, piles and spastic colon.
India is the world’s largest mango producer, growing nearly 1000 varieties of mango and contributing over 50 per cent of the world’s total mango production of approximately 10,500,000 MT followed by China and Thailand according to the FAO estimates of the UN for the year 2003.
BANANA
Bananas are thought to have originated in Malaysia around 4,000 years ago and are mentioned for the first time in history in buddhist texts 600 years BC. From there, they spread throughout the Philippines and India, where they were recorded growing by Alexander the Great’s army in 327 B.C. Bananas were introduced to Africa by Arabian traders and discovered there in 1482 A.D. by Portuguese explorers who took them to the Americas.
Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, carbohydrates and B vitamins a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Banana is also a source of vitamin C, A and high levels of potassium. The natural fiber in bananas contribute to the many health benefits like healthy bowels, cardiovascular health, protection from stokes, protection from ulcers, improve blood pressure, may boost mood, help reduce water retention. Bananas are also low in calories and fat, plus they have a high water content and potassium level.
India is the highest producer of Bananas with a production of 16,450,000 MT followed by Brazil and Ecuador according to the FAO estimate of UN for the year 2003.
ORANGES
Oranges, the most important citrus crop in the world, originated thousands of years ago in Asia, in the region from southern China to Indonesia from which they spread to India. Although Renaissance paintings display oranges on the table in paintings of The Last Supper, the assumption that they were grown in this region at this time seems to be erroneous since oranges were not cultivated in the Middle East until sometime around the 9th century.
The strongly acidic fruit of the bitter oranges stimulates the digestion and relieves flatulence. An infusion of the fruit is thought to soothe headaches, calm palpitations, and lower fevers. The juice helps the body eliminate waste products, and, being rich in vitamin C, helps the immune system ward off infection. If taken to excess, however, its acid content can exacerbate arthritis. The essential oils of bitter orange, especially neroli, are sedative. In Western medicine, these oils are used to reduce heart rate and palpitations, encourage sleep, and soothe the digestive tract. Diluted neroli is applied as a relaxing massage oil. The distilled flower water is antispasmodic and sedative.
According to the FAO estimate of the UN for the year 2003, Brazil, USA and Mexico are the top three producers of oranges in the world. India ranks sixth with a production of 2,980,000 MT.
PAPAYA
Papayas, reputably called “the fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus., native to Central America, have been long revered by the Latin American Indians. Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought papayas to many other subtropical lands to which they journeyed including India, the Philippines, and parts of Africa. In the 20th century, papayas were brought to the United States and have been cultivated in Hawaii.
Papayas offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system, bowel syndrome, immune system, prevention of recurring ear infections, cold, flu and also provide protection against colon cancer. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. The severity of diseases that are worsened by inflammation, such as asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is reduced by consuming papaya.
According to the FAO estimate of the UN for the year 2003, Brazil, Mexico and Nigeria are the top three producers of papaya in the world. India ranks fourth with a production of 700,000 MT.
GRAPES
In ancient history, grapes were considered the food of the gods. They were found in the Egyptian tombs and the Bible, being referred to as the “fruit of the vine.”, is filled with stories about the joys and sorrows resulting from the fermented juices of this fruit. Grapes have grown wild since prehistoric times, evidence suggests they were cultivated in Asia as early as 5000 BC. There are between 40 and 50 different varieties of grapes which come in a multiple of greens, whites, reds and purples.
Grapes are an excellent source of potassium which encourage an alkaline blood balance and also stimulate the kidneys and regulate heart beat. The restorative power of grapes is phenomenal, cleansing the liver and removing the uric acid from the body. Grape fruit contains sugar, acids, pectin, pigments, vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, and C, ionized water (80%), trace elements and seeds contain anthocyanins, polyunsaturated oil, flavonoid compounds include quercitin, as well as a second flavonoid-type compound (falling into the chemical category of stilbenes)called resveratrol, an excellent candidate for use as a cancer-preventive agent in prostate, lung, liver and breast cancer. Both compounds appear to decrease the risk of heart disease by Reducing platelet clumping and harmful blood clots and protect against Macular Degeneration.
According to the FAO estimate of the UN for the year 2003, Italy, France and Spain are the top three producers of Grapes in the world. India ranks fourteen with a production of 1,200,000 MT.
PINEAPPLE
While pineapples are thought to have originated in South America, they were first discovered on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Columbus and other discovers brought pineapples back to Europe. The new fruit was eventually carried to India, Africa, China, and the East Indies-warm places where the tender plants could reach maturity by the Spanish and Portuguese explorers.
Pineapple has significant levels of vitamins A and C. It contains bromelain, a protein-splitting enzyme that has been shown to increase bleeding time, reduce the aggregation of platelets, reduce inflammation and swelling and has proved effective in killing parasites such as worms. The sour, unripe fruit improves digestion, increases appetite, and relieves dyspepsia: In Indian herbal medicine, pineapple is thought to act as a uterine tonic. The ripe fruit cools and soothes, and is used to settle gas and reduce excessive gastric acid. Its significant fiber content makes it useful in constipation. Pineapple is an excellent source of thiamin, riboflavin, two B vitamins, trace mineral manganese, which is an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses.
According to the FAO estimate of the UN for the year 2003, Thailand, Philippines and Brazil are the top three producers of Pineapples in the world. India ranks fourth with a production of 1,100,000 MT.
