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FRUIT JUICE
AND AYURVEDA
It
is a truth endorsed by Ayurved that there can be no alternative to breast milk
for an infant under the age of six months. After the age of six months, when we
start the baby on non-milk diet, there is nothing better than fruit juices.
Fruit juice is not an alternative to the breast milk, it is just an
introduction to the baby of a diet other than milk. According to Kashyap
Samhita (which is considered as the main reference book of pediatrics
in Ayurveda), fruit juices are advised at the age of six months. This is
practiced in Ayurved since thousands of years, (hence requires no clinical
trials and statistical jargon)! Fruit juice is the most natural and nutritious
food gifted to us by mother nature, which can be very safely given to kids.
Children
during their developing years, require natural vitamins and minerals. These are
abundant in fruits like mango, grapes, pomegranate, orange, pineapple, etc.
According to ayurvedic principles, we can change harmful effects of a substance
to our advantage by Sanskara (processing). Also, individual
constitution is taken into consideration to decide which fruits are to be
given, etc.
According
to Ayurvedic science, every food item has it's own qualities. Fruits generally increase Kapha
and Rasa Dhatu in our body, which are very essential for body building.
Every fruit has its unique quality, e.g., pomegranate does not increase Kapha,
It is sheeta (cold) and is useful for people with hot
constitution. Fruits like mango are considered as very nutritious. Mango is the
best source of vitamin A, which is good for eyes. Mangos are observed to
promote weight gain in children. Grapes are very good for acidity, jaundice,
headache, etc. Nature has made fruits for every season to give right benefit
for right season, for well-being of mankind right from shishu avastha (infants
and children).
Fruit
juices provide instant energy, these are easy to digest, there is variety in
taste and flavor and so everyone likes it. These all factors make it a
healthiest food.
Dr. C. M. Thite