Fruit Therapy And Its Health Benefits

Learn about the healing properties of fruits, the different forms of consumption and other important details about the so-called fruit therapy.

Fruit therapy is a traditional therapeutic technique based on the consumption of varied fruits. These foods have beneficial substances for the body such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and water. We present the positive effects of its consumption.

In this way, fruit therapy takes advantage of the properties and benefits of fruits to regain health, prevent diseases and provide energy to the body. Of course, it is important to know that it is not advisable to modify the diet without first consulting a nutritionist.

As you may already know, what we eat and how we do it has a lot to do with the functioning of the immune system, as indicated by a study by the Higher Council for Scientific Research in Madrid.

Likewise, other research like this one from the Iran Journal of Public Health  confirms that fruits and vegetables are the foods that provide the highest percentage of nutrients. In this way, they allow adequate cellular nutrition and become important for many functions of the body.

Benefits of fruit therapy

Before mentioning some benefits of fruit therapy for health, we must point out that it is not a dietary model approved by science. Instead, it is more of a traditional therapy that consists of increasing the consumption of fruits, but does not imply that these are the only source of nutrients.

In any case, consult a nutritionist to plan a personalized diet for your needs if you plan to take advantage of the virtues that we will mention below:

• Strengthens the immune system due to its content of various nutrients, as explained in the previously cited article.
• It fights premature aging,  as it promotes cell renewal due to the antioxidant content of many fruits.

• Helps regulate bad cholesterol levels, reports WebMD.
• It improves digestion and prevents constipation due to the fiber content described in the Iranian study cited above.
• It helps to lose weight, following the line of the same research, thanks to the effects of fiber in the body, fruits help reduce fat intake and give a feeling of satiety. All this has an impact on better control of body weight.
• Hydration: fruits provide fluid for the functioning of the body.

How to perform fruit therapy?

Fruit therapy consists of increasing the consumption of fruits, either in their natural form or in juices. Thus, it  is sought to avoid packaged juices, with sugars, preservatives and colorings.

As we explained before, it is a traditional technique that was intended to improve health based on the benefits of fruits. Although each person should plan their diet together with a professional nutritionist, it is good to keep in mind keys such as the following:

• Consume at least four or five servings of fruit a day ; This is a general recommendation, but should be consulted with the nutritionist, as it can vary according to the needs and objectives of each person.
• Traditionally it has been recommended to include fruits in breakfast or drink a natural juice on an empty stomach. However, it is not scientifically proven that its effects in these cases differ from its consumption at other times of the day.
• Eating a serving of fruit between main meals can help control your appetite, as described in the research cited above. This is due to the fiber content of fruits, which provides satiety and helps us get away from other less healthy options for the mornings or afternoons.

• Drinking a fruit juice a day can be a good option to consume them regularly. However, as stated in this specialized publication, this reduces dietary fiber intake and, in the case of using several fruits, multiplies the calories consumed.

Conclusion: fruit therapy is a good complement

Fruit therapy offers to maintain or improve health with a habit as simple and accessible as eating fruits. However, to be successful, it must be supplemented with a healthy diet specifically planned by a nutrition professional.

Also, doing physical activity daily as recommended by the World Health Organization, resting well and stopping harmful habits such as smoking or sedentary lifestyle will result in better health for the individual. Taking care of the body is a decision that is faced every day!