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Allah's Medicine Chest: Oranges
By Hwaa Irfan
Oranges can help soothe a feverish person. A fever is Allah’s (swt) mechanism to help the body rid itself of accumulated toxins
Oranges contain flavanoids, which are one of the largest groups of dietary antioxidants. Antioxidants, including Vitamin C, prevent deterioration by oxidation and act as free radical scavengers (Just-food, p.1). Free radicals cause the kind of cellular damage that can lead to cancer, heart disease, arthritis and aging (Messina p.1). A single orange contains up to 70mg of Vitamin C, which is nearly 117% of the recommended daily amount (Reid p.1). Therefore, an orange assists in healing, boosting the immune system, helping in the absorption of iron and reducing the risk of cancer (Reid, p.1).
Oranges are also a natural source of folic acid and Vitamin B. Studies have shown that most people, especially pregnant women, are not getting enough of these vitamins. A study published last year, by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that women who do not metabolize folic acid properly are at a greater risk of having a child with Downs Syndrome. The U.S. Public Health Service advised women of childbearing age to ensure an adequate intake of folic acid. A deficiency in Vitamin B can cause serious neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly (Just-food, p.1)
Oranges are also a low-fat and easily metabolized source of carbohydrates. Within the 70 calories of a medium-sized orange, there are 16 grams of carbohydrates. During physical activity, the muscles use stored carbohydrates, called glycogen, to fuel daily activity. Eating carbohydrate-rich foods, like oranges, ensures a speedy recovery after a workout (Just-food, p.1). Oranges are also a good source of fibre, which keeps the intestinal tract healthy and eating some of the spongy-white pith of an orange helps increase fibre intake. The water-soluble fibre in oranges also helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease (Reid, p.2 and Just-food, p.1).
Orange juice can improve digestion because it is rich in salts and acts as a stimulant to the digestive system by improving peristaltic activity and the flow of gastric juices in the colon. It is recommended that one should drink a glass of orange juice one hour before breakfast.
Oranges can also help soothe a feverish person. A fever is Allah’s (swt) mechanism to help the body rid itself of accumulated toxins. Oranges can assist in two ways: the fruit acids satisfy the thirst of a feverish person and the juice increases elimination of toxins through the skin and kidneys (Kloss, p.662). Fresh orange juice in a baby’s bottle can prevent scurvy, pellagra, rickets and infantile paralysis in situations where the child is not getting adequate nutrition. However, if a child has a diet low in milk products, orange juice is not a good idea as it could decalcify the system (Kloss, p, 663 and Colbin, p.161).
(www.islamonline.net)
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