Fruit is one of nature's priceless gifts to our health. It is not just food but a natural medicine that keeps us away from disease and helps us lead a healthy life.

Khana, the wise woman of ancient Bengal, spoke in her sayings about farming, fruit, medicine and many aspects of life. She also has a saying on fruit and healing, to the effect that local fruit keeps disease far away.

• Fruit contains the vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants the body needs, which boost immunity and protect against various diseases.
• A habit of eating fruit regularly keeps the body healthy, improves digestion, purifies the blood and helps prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.
• Many fruits counter harmful free radicals in the body, reduce the effects of ageing and improve mental health. According to the World Health Organization, eating enough fruit every day can reduce the risk of premature death and serious disease.

Bangladesh's soil and climate are well suited to growing many kinds of fruit. The country's seasonal and year-round fruits are rich not only in taste but in nutrition, and the vitamins in them are essential for the body and play an important role in protecting health.

Mango: Mango is described as rich in protein, and it is also abundant in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A keeps eyesight good and raises immunity; vitamin C keeps the body fresh and helps fight disease. Green mango aids digestion and keeps the body cool in the heat.

Banana: One of Bangladesh's most popular local fruits, banana contains vitamin B complex, vitamin C, potassium and other minerals. It provides energy, improves brain function and aids digestion.

Amla: Known as a storehouse of vitamin C, amla boosts immunity, purifies the blood and keeps the skin healthy. Lemon, orange and guava are also excellent for making up a vitamin C shortfall.

Guava: Guava is rich not only in vitamin C but also in vitamin A and fibre, which benefit digestion and the eyes.

Jackfruit, lychee, custard apple, pomegranate and other local fruits are also sources of various vitamins and minerals. They give the body energy, improve circulation and help prevent disease. Overall, local fruit is a store of natural vitamins and nutrition for us, and eating it regularly keeps the body disease-free, healthy and able to work. Giving importance to local fruit, and growing and eating more of it, benefits both our health and our economy.

Local fruit is not only tasty but also plays a special role in improving digestion. Fruits readily available in Bangladesh, such as mango, banana, papaya, jackfruit, guava, jam (black plum) and lychee, are rich in natural vitamins, minerals and fibre. The fibre keeps digestion active and helps relieve constipation. For example:

• The enzyme papain in papaya is very effective for digestion, breaking down protein so the body can absorb it easily.
• Banana gives quick energy and helps ease stomach discomfort.
• Guava and jackfruit provide fibre that aids digestion and keeps the intestines clean.
• Jam helps reduce indigestion and acidity.
• Local fruits contain plenty of antioxidants, which raise immunity and keep the stomach healthy. Local fruit is easier to digest than processed food, so the stomach does not feel heavy.
• Eating local fruit regularly strengthens the digestive system and lowers the risk of gastric and other digestive problems.

So including local fruit in the daily diet is essential for a healthy life. It not only nourishes the body but keeps digestion running naturally and healthily.

Besides keeping the body healthy, fruit plays an important role in reducing inflammation inside the body. Inflammation is a normal response of the immune system, but chronic inflammation raises the risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer. Fruit works like a natural medicine against this harmful inflammation.

• Many fruits contain antioxidants, vitamins and phytochemicals that neutralise harmful free radicals. For example, the vitamin C in amla and oranges helps control inflammation.
• Anthocyanins in grapes and blueberries reduce joint pain and swelling.
• Papaya, pineapple and guava aid digestion and also produce anti-inflammatory enzymes in the body. The fibre in bananas and apples keeps the gut healthy and lowers the risk of inflammation.
• A habit of eating fruit regularly strengthens immunity and helps tissue repair.

So choosing fresh fruit instead of processed food from the market is the most effective way to keep inflammation in check.

Khana saw fruit not only as food but as natural medicine. Her sayings hold that eating local seasonal fruit regularly keeps the body healthy, raises immunity and greatly reduces the need for medicine. So keep fruit in your daily diet for a healthy, disease-free and active life.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.