FOODS OF THE PROPHET: FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Written by Karima Burns, MH, ND

Contemporary Muslims often turn to books and magazines to find out what foods will make them healthy, however, the Qur'an and Hadith have provided many of foods that should be included in the ideal diet. The Koran (55:68) says that "fruits, palm trees and pomegranates" were provided for our nourishment. Sahib Bukhari states that melon was among one of the fruits most often eaten by the Prophet (s), rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium. The body uses potassium to help eliminate excess sodi­um, which in large amounts can cause blood pres­sure to rise while keeping the body's LDL (danger­ous fvom stkkiy~g to the artery walls. Melons also provide a very rare nutrient called folate, a B vitamin, which is essential in combating birth defects and heart disease.

Citrus
Citrus is also a favored fruit of the Qur'an and Hadith. The Prophet has said, "The parable of a believer who reads the Koran regularly is like that of a citrus: it has a good taste and a good fra­grance". All citrus is packed with vitamin C, is famed for its powerful antioxidant properties (meaning that it disarms powerful oxygen mole­cules in the body that contribute to cancer and heart disease). The body also uses vitamin C to manufacture collagen; the substance that glues cells together and is essential for healing.
Hesperidin, found in oranges has been found by Brazilian researchers to stop inflammation without damaging the stomach lining as aspirin can. Oranges also contain limonene, which according to Michael Gould, PhD., and professor of human oncology at the University of Wisconsin Medical School "cause cancer cells to self-destruct."
The Koran mentions grapes alone six times. In fact, grape juice has recently been found to be an impor­tant source of flavanoids that can lower risk for cancer, lower cholesterol, prevent hardening of the arteries and fight heart disease.

Squash
Squash, mentioned by the Prophet (s), contains such a rich array of vitamins and minerals and other compounds that scientists have just begun to map its healing power. They have concluded squash is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene (25% and 66% respectively). Scientists have found that people who have more vitamin C in the diets over time have fewer lung ailments as the vitamin gets transported to the lin­ing of the lung and serves as an antioxidant there.

Dried Fruits
Even dried fruits are beneficial according to the Qur'an and Hadith. The Prophet (s) mentioned figs and then stated, "If I had to mention a fruit that descended from paradise I would say this is it, because the paradisiacal fruits do not have pits... eat from these fruits for they prevent hemorrhoids, piles and gout" (Bukhari).

Figs
Figs are a top source of fiber, as well as potassium and vitamin B6. Fiber results in bulkier stools, which lessen the incidence of constipation, hemor­rhoids and colon cancer. Fiber also lowers choles­terol and the risk of heart disease. Just one fig pro­vides 20% of the USRDA of fiber. A Harvard University study of 43,757 men ages 40 to 75 found that those who got the most fiber had about half the risk of getting a heart attack as those who got the least. Furthermore, men who added just 10 grams of fiber a day to their diet (6 figs) lowered their incidence of heart disease by 30%. This could also be why fibrous dates are another favored food of the Prophet (s).
As Muslims we are wise to include these foods in our diet. Allah has blessed us with many good foods and in the Koran (7:160) it says "Eat of the good foods We have provided for you."