FRUITS AND SPICES RELEVANT TO HEALTH

Fruits and Spices Relevant to Health

FIGS are one of the earliest fruits known to mankind, dating back to 5000 BC. Mission priests discovered the health benefits of these dark purple fruits, which are full of vitamins A, C, calcium, and potassium. Some believe that figs, not apples, were prominent in the Garden of Eden.

Lord Buddha gained enlightenment under a fig tree, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) believed that these fruits were sent from heaven, being one of the five mentioned in the Quran, loaded with vitamins A, B, and C.

WATERMELON acts as an antioxidant and is surprisingly rich in fiber. Its high water content is a blessing for those who struggle to maintain their daily water intake!

OLIVES have a rich history and are considered to come from a blessed tree. Including olives in one’s diet can reduce the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite being a fatty fruit, when eaten in moderation, they are marvelous for health. Whether you prefer the bitter green or the juicy black, a small cup per day is quite beneficial. Olive oil is often mentioned as essential in a healthy diet.

MANGO has many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cancer, aiding digestion, and promoting eye health.

DATES have been around since 5320 BC and are a staple of the Middle East. Despite their sugar content, dates are surprisingly good for diabetics due to their incredible nutrients. For a pre-dinner guest platter, pitted dates stuffed with almonds, pecan nuts, or even cheese will impress! For the more adventurous cook, dates can be included in a Moroccan dish such as Tagine, offering a change from the common stew.

CLOVES, though not a fruit, have health benefits such as destroying internal parasites and potentially aiding in weight loss. Clove tea, well-known in Indian homes, is quick and easy to prepare by boiling seven cloves in two cups of water for twelve to fifteen minutes, then straining it and adding honey to taste.

For readers’ interest, many fruit masks can be found online.

Skin Care Tips from Different Cultures

With a growing number of Africans caring for their skin, some popular products include shea butter, African black soap, coconut oil, glycerine, and tea tree oil. African women are known for their beautiful skin and do not need to create a “bronzed appearance” through unhealthy sun beds.

Indian women often use turmeric, sandalwood, aloe vera, and coconut oil in various ways for skincare.

Chinese skincare routines include natural items like ginseng, liquorice root, mung beans, and goji berries. Jade rollers are common to enhance facial stimulation, and cleaning the skin with rice water helps eliminate deeper dirt particles.

With ongoing communication around the planet, the East and West have popularized many unknown beauty routines and culinary delights.

In conclusion, the awareness of Chinese skincare practices and the availability of the above-mentioned products in South Africa may inspire readers to realign their beauty routines.