Nectarines

The name nectarine comes from the Greek ‘nekter’, which is the drink of the gods in Roman and Greek mythology. Nectarines are sweeter and more nutritious than their cousins, peaches. One fresh nectarine contains almost a daily dose of vitamin C. This vitamin helps the body to absorb iron and maintain a healthy immune system. Interestingly, vitamin C is also vital for the production of collagen, and this is all about your skin. Collagen helps build scar tissue over wounds, which is an essential part of the healing process.

Nectarines, of course, are smaller than peaches and do not have a furry skin. Buy them ripe as they will not ripen after being picked. Always source organic, whenever possible.

Melons are such a favourite

Melons are such a favourite with our grandchildren in the summer! Orange-fleshed cantaloupe are among the most nutritious of the many varieties of melon. A 100g portion supplies more than half the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. and is also a good source of beta carotene (which the body converts into vitamin A.) Both of these are antioxidants which may help to prevent cancer and heart disease. It is thought that the high water content in melons may stimulate the kidneys to work more efficiently.

Melons are low in calories so they are a popular choice for slimmers. Sprinkle some ginger on your melon slice instead of sugar. Delicious!

(Source organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible.)

Take a leek!

Leeks have been cultivated for at least 4,000 years as both food and medicine. They are important in the detoxification process. They are anti-bacterial and protect against stomach cancer. Greeks and Romans used them to deal with throat and voice problems. Indeed the Emperor Nero ate a leek everyday to improve his singing voice, and in French folk remedies leeks were recommended for all breathing problems. They are a source of potassium and vitamin C .and are most helpful for alleviating arthritis and gout. The green part of the leek is rich in betacarotene which the body converts into vitamin A.

I’m half Welsh and the leek is traditionally worn by Welshmen on St. David’s Day. Could this be what contributes to their wonderful singing voices?! Leeks in cheese sauce are a firm favourite in our family.

Go on…take a leek! Choose organic…

Taking grapes to patients

Grapes are an ideal food to take to friends in hospital. They are superbly nourishing, and help to treat anaemia, arthritis, gout, rheumatism and fatigue. They are easy to assimilate so are very helpful for convalescents. Grapes are packed with antioxidants which protect against cancer, heart disease and circulatory problems.

Always wash them thoroughly and source organic. In India, when family and friends visit someone in hospital, they give the patient a massage instead of a gift. What a lovely idea!

Grapefruit gives you your Vitamin C

Certain medications do not mix with grapefruit, so do check it out.If you are not taking any contra-indicated pills, grapefruit is a magnificent way to start your day! Half a grapefruit gives you your daily supply of Vitamin C. Check out pink grapefruits, too, which are sweeter. This fruit is an excellent source of potassium and bioflavanoids. These are important for your heart and circulation. The soluble fibre pectin helps with the elimination of cholesterol. Pink grapefruit gives you antioxidant caratenoids which helps to protect you from heart disease and cancer. Vitamin A, which is great for the skin, the mucous membranes and the immune system is derived from the betacarotene in grapefruits. All round good fruit!

Going nuts for cashews!

Choosing foods which heal rather than harm you is adhering to the yogic principle of ahimsa.Eating in a calm, peaceful way is respecting the sattvic state of being. Cashew nuts are packed with soluble dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and health-promoting phyto-chemicals that help protect us from diseases and cancers. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which help lower harmful LDL cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol. Cashew nuts supply manganese, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. They are rich in the B vitamins and an enzyme which is particularly helpful for the eyes. One of my students told me that a handful of cashew nuts per day is equivalent to one Prozac tablet!

Ancient Greeks revered beetroot

Beetroot is offered as a tribute to Apollo in the temple at Delphi. It’s a blood-builder and is most helpful fo those recovering from illness.It stimulates the liver and has been valued for centuries as a digestive aid.Certain carcinogens are bound to the red colouring matter, and in Central Europe beetroot has long been used to combat cancer. Apparently, it increases the cellular uptake of oxygen. Put beetroot on your shopping list this week! (And always buy organic when you can.)

Apricot kernels

This is slightly controversial, but many people believe that eating 3 apricot kernels per day keeps cancer at bay. It is said that they complete the cancer cycle within the body. I have mine on my cereal – only 3 now!