Antioxidants

Orange stimulates appetite and activates blood circulation

Orange is considered one of the citrus fruits with high health benefits. It helps strengthen the body, improve overall health, and fight diseases. It is regarded as an “alkaline” food because after digestion it produces alkaline substances in the tissues. Orange also stimulates blood circulation and increases iron absorption, which helps raise iron levels in the blood and promotes energy and vitality. In addition, oranges are considered an effective remedy for colds and influenza.

Orange is beneficial for the chest and coughs. At the same time, it is refreshing, appetite-stimulating, and suitable as a drink at all times. Orange juice also improves digestive performance by treating indigestion, stimulating digestion, and increasing digestive secretions.

Orange also strengthens bones because it contains a good amount of calcium, and its fiber content helps reduce constipation.

Orange juice is considered one of the best drinks after exercise or physical activity because it contains beneficial minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

ORANGE PURIFIES THE BODY

It is well known that the energy driving the body comes from sugar. Food supplies this sugar either directly through fruits or indirectly through other foods that the body converts into sugar through complex and energy-consuming processes. Fruits are rich in natural sugars, alkaline minerals, vitamins, and organic and amino acids in their simplest forms, making them easy for the body to absorb without exhausting it.

Experts state that fruits provide the greatest nutritional value with the least physical effort. Orange, in particular, is rich in water, natural sugars, vitamin C, and alkaline salts that help maintain youthful cells. It is also an antioxidant because it contains bioflavonoids, which help cleanse the body from free radicals. Therefore, it is highly recommended for sick people.

Orange is also rich in natural fibers and has a delicious taste ranging from sweet to semi-sweet to sour, satisfying all preferences. It also contains alkaline compounds that may help even in cases of stomach ulcers because its acids are transformed into alkaline sugars during digestion.

Fresh orange juice is refreshing and delicious when consumed immediately after squeezing, provided the peel is not squeezed because it may contain substances used to protect the fruit from insects.

Nutritional Components of Orange

Orange contains:

80% water
2% fats
10% fiber
5% minerals and acids
3% sugars and vitamins

It also contains minerals such as sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, and copper, in addition to vitamins C, B1, and B2.

Health Benefits of Orange

Helps fix calcium in bones and supports bone strength
Helps resist colds
Protects teeth from decay
Stimulates blood circulation
Supports liver health
Helps reduce constipation, especially if eaten before bedtime
Improves chronic indigestion
Stimulates appetite
Refreshes and energizes the body

Orange and Smoking Cessation

Professor of Chemistry Dr. Linus Pauling advised smokers to eat an orange whenever they feel a strong urge to smoke. Studies in British universities showed that consuming oranges for three weeks helped some smokers quit smoking completely, while many others significantly reduced their cigarette consumption.

Orange and Disease Prevention

Modern studies have shown that oranges may help:

Reduce cholesterol levels
Prevent blood clotting in blood vessels
Improve blood flow
Lower the risk of heart disease
Lower blood pressure
Reduce the risk of stroke
Strengthen immunity due to its high vitamin C content

Researchers also found that drinking half a cup of orange juice every morning may help protect against strokes, especially in people with high blood pressure or obesity.

Orange and Mental Well-Being

Studies conducted in Europe found that the scent of oranges helps calm anxiety and nervousness, especially before dental treatment. Many dental clinics now use orange fragrance in waiting rooms to help patients relax.

Orange Personality Traits

Some personality theories claim that people who love oranges tend to be sensitive yet independent personalities, while those who dislike oranges are often rational, self-confident, and not easily influenced by others.

Orange remains one of the healthiest and most refreshing fruits, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural fibers that support overall health and vitality.

Apple: A moisturizing fruit that is gentle on the intestines. It is beneficial in acute inflammatory diseases, relieves fever pain, and is useful for the liver, kidneys, and bladder as it facilitates their function. It also soothes coughs and helps expel phlegm. Apples are among the richest fruits in vitamins, and there is a popular saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples contain vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, and have many medicinal uses.

Apple Juice:
If apples are juiced, the liquid distilled, and stored tightly in bottles, it can remain preserved without spoiling. Drinking two glasses daily is said to help with the following conditions when taken regularly: vascular and lymphatic diseases, arteriosclerosis, gout, liver diseases, anemia, urinary tract diseases, skin diseases, rheumatism, and nervous disorders.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Prophetic traditions mentioning vinegar:

In an authentic narration reported by Muslim from Jabir ibn Abdullah, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ asked his family for food seasoning. They replied, “We have nothing except vinegar.” He asked for it and began eating, saying: “What an excellent seasoning vinegar is.”

In Sunan Ibn Majah, Umm Sa‘d reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “What an excellent seasoning vinegar is. O Allah, bless vinegar, for no household that has vinegar will suffer poverty.”

Vinegar is a liquid substance with a sharp taste and is considered a condiment. Apple cider vinegar is regarded as one of the best types of vinegar. Vinegar is commonly made from apples, grapes, oranges, beets, watermelon, berries, honey, wheat, barley, corn, and potatoes after converting starch into sugar using a special yeast known as “diastase yeast.” It can also be produced chemically.

How Apple Cider Vinegar is Made:
Wash apples thoroughly, cut them into medium-sized pieces, place them in earthenware or plastic containers, cover with cloth, and keep in a warm place for about 45 days until fermentation occurs. Then press the apples, bottle the liquid in glass containers, and seal them.

Another method:
Approximately four kilograms of apples are washed well, cut into quarters without peeling or removing the seeds, then spread in a ventilated basket and covered with light gauze to protect from insects. The apples are left in a warm place for about a week until fermentation odor appears. Bacteria gradually accumulate on the apples. Afterward, they are transferred into containers for slow extraction of juice. The liquid is filtered several times until a clear vinegar free of impurities remains.

Composition of Vinegar:
Vinegar consists of water, acetic acid, and various organic and volatile compounds that give it its taste and aroma.

Chemical Vinegar:
Many commercial vinegars sold in markets are chemically derived acetic acid products and are not equivalent to the vinegar mentioned in prophetic medicine. Chemically acidic vinegar may irritate the stomach lining and cause ulcers if consumed excessively or undiluted.

Traditional and Historical Views on Vinegar:
Ancient Arab physicians praised vinegar and described its benefits and harms. They stated that it benefits inflamed stomachs, suppresses bile, aids digestion, counters phlegm, reduces thirst, strengthens the stomach, and helps with wounds and swelling.

Daoud Al-Antaki stated that vinegar strengthens the stomach, stimulates appetite, stops chronic diarrhea and bleeding, heals wounds, reduces swelling, and relieves gout and joint pain.

Ibn Sina (Avicenna) wrote that vinegar helps prevent tumors and skin eruptions and can relieve headaches when mixed with oil.

Ibn Al-Baitar mentioned that vinegar can help heal wounds, strengthen gums, relieve sore throat symptoms, and soothe burns quickly.

Modern Medical Perspective:
Modern medicine describes vinegar as refreshing, moisturizing, sweat-inducing, diuretic, and stimulating to the stomach. Dr. Jarvis, in his book “Folk Medicine,” praised apple cider vinegar particularly, recommending a mixture of vinegar and honey in water daily for digestive cleansing and general health.

Common Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar:

Sore throat: gargling diluted vinegar in warm water.
Burns: applying vinegar may reduce blister formation.
Vomiting: small diluted amounts may help soothe symptoms.
Insect bites: applying vinegar compresses to the affected area.
Urinary tract cleansing: diluted vinegar is traditionally used.
Insomnia: mixed with honey and warm water before sleep.
Cough: mixed with honey and glycerin.
Varicose veins: topical application and diluted oral intake.
Joint inflammation: diluted intake with meals.
Digestive discomfort: diluted vinegar after heavy meals.
Weight loss: traditionally consumed diluted with water before meals.

Traditional texts also mention its use for scalp conditions, sweating, bacterial resistance, and circulation support.

Important Note:
Many traditional claims about apple cider vinegar are based on folk medicine and historical sources rather than modern scientific evidence. Excessive or undiluted use may irritate the stomach, teeth, or digestive tract.

Lemon is a perennial tree scientifically known as Citrus limon. It is considered one of the most important plants for household use, both as food and medicine. Spaniards are among the peoples most known for using lemon extensively, and their medical writings frequently mention it.

The lemon originally came from India, and lemon trees were first introduced to Europe during the second century after Christ. Today, they are cultivated throughout most parts of the world. The fruit is the main part used, and it is harvested during winter when its vitamin C content reaches its peak.

Lemons contain about 2.5% essential oil located in the peel, with limonene making up around 70% of the oil. Other important compounds include phellandrene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and citral. The fruit also contains coumarins, bioflavonoids, vitamins C and A, B vitamins, mucilage, and sugars.

Medicinal Uses of Lemon:

Acts as an antiseptic and anti-rheumatic agent.
Works as an expectorant, helping remove mucus from the respiratory tract.
Vitamin C in lemon helps thin and dissolve mucus, making lemon highly beneficial for respiratory health.
Functions as an antibacterial agent, detoxifier, and fever reducer.
Supports liver, stomach, and intestinal health.
Strengthens blood vessel walls, helping prevent bleeding gums and improving circulation disorders.

Lemon juice is commonly used to help treat:

Influenza and colds
Chest and respiratory illnesses
Digestive weakness
Poor appetite
Gum inflammation and tooth decay
Throat infections through gargling

Beauty and Skin Benefits:

Lemon has long been recognized for its therapeutic, cosmetic, and even psychological benefits. Simply smelling lemon is believed to improve mood and relieve emotional tension, according to aromatherapy experts.

For skin care, lemon:

Tightens enlarged pores
Helps remove dark spots and blemishes
Is rich in vitamin C and has anti-wrinkle properties
Can be applied directly to the skin
Is often mixed with olive oil for softer, smoother skin
Helps remove dead skin cells and improve radiance
May be used traditionally for warts and moles

Lemon is also traditionally believed to:

Help reduce fat accumulation in thighs and legs
Detoxify the skin
Support kidney function and reduce fluid retention

Benefits for Hair:

Lemon juice helps dissolve excess oils and regulate scalp oil production. For this reason, it is commonly included in shampoos designed for oily hair. Experts recommend choosing shampoos made with real lemon extract rather than artificial fragrance only.

Lemon Juice and Kidney Stones:

Researchers from the Faculty of Medicine at Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia suggested that lemon juice may help reduce the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones are often linked to calcium crystal accumulation caused by low citrate levels in urine.

Studies indicated that regular lemon juice consumption may:

Increase citrate and potassium levels in urine
Help prevent calcium crystal formation
Reduce recurrence of kidney stones
Improve urine volume without increasing calcium levels

A commonly mentioned traditional preparation involves squeezing two medium lemons into two cups of water and consuming small amounts daily.

Additional Notes: Yellow fruits and flowers such as lemon and quince are traditionally believed to have diuretic properties. Recent studies also suggest that yellow plant compounds may contain antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidation and may support prevention of memory disorders, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and potentially reduce cancer cell activity.

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