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Fruits require less energy to be digested than any other food. Everything that is consumed eventually breaks down in the system and is transformed into glucose, fructose, amino acids, etc. The brain cannot function on anything except glucose. Fruit is glucose in the body. Its digestion, absorption and assimilation requires only a short time, rather than in the break down of food like chicken and mutton. Other foods spend about 1-4 hours in the stomach! Fruits do not digest in the stomach. Most of them are predigested except for bananas, dates and dried fruits. They pass through the stomach in twenty to thirty minutes as if going through a tunnel. They break down and release their life-giving nutrients in the intestines.

Remember that our ancestors were mostly fruit eaters. Fruits have the highest water content of any food. In addition, the vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids that a human requires can be derived from fruits. Even for those wanting to lose a little weight, the proper consumption of fruits will help. A survey found that those who eat fruits more at every meal tend to want to eat less at the next meal. The reason being the sugar content in the fruit. It was also found that a particular substance in some fruits could cut the risk of heart diseases or heart attacks. The substance protects the heart by preventing the blood from becoming too thick and plugging up the arteries. So fruit is surely cleansing!

Kiwi: Tiny but mighty

This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E & fibre. Its Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

Apple: Keeps the doctor away? 

Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants and flavonoids which enhance the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack and stroke.

Strawberry: Protective fruit

Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits and protect the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals.

Orange: Sweetest medicine

Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent and dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer.

Watermelon: Thirst quencher

Composed of 92 per cent water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. Also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are Vitamin C and Potassium.

Guava and Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C

Clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fibre which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for the eyes.