Health, Wealth and Fruit trees

Juno Shaiza *

Fruit of Manipur in February 2012 :: Pix by Banti Phurailatpam

Cultivation of fruit trees needs to be considered as an important, urgent and significant step towards slowing down the rate of environmental degradation which is making the earth more and more incapable of supporting life. Fruit trees can heal the environment by cleaning the air and reducing the amount of greenhouse gases which are causing global warming.

They can improve soil quality, prevent soil erosion and sustain valuable water resources. They give lovely shade where children can play and thus, protect them against sunburns and skin cancer later in life. They create animal habitat and the branches give birds a place to rest. Fruit trees add to the beauty of nature especially during the flowering season and after that the developing fruit looks attractive for months. Besides all these, they give us healthy, fresh fruit to eat year after year.

Frequently encountered varieties of fruit trees in Ukhrul district of Manipur are gooseberry, citrus, fig, plum, peach, guava, pomegranate, walnut, cherry, etc. The scientific study and cultivation of fruits is called 'Pomology'.

Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) : It is a spherical, smooth, light greenish yellow fruit with six vertical stripes or furrows. The fruit is reputed to contain high amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tannins (antioxidants). It is the primary ingredient in the Ayurvedic polyherbal preparation 'Chyawanprash'. The berry can rejuvenate, promote longevity, treat constipation, stimulate hair growth, reduce fever, purify blood, reduce cough, alleviate asthma, benefit the eyes, strengthen the heart, improve liver function, enhance intellect and enliven the body. It has proved to have potential activity against cancers.

Experimental preparations of leaves bark and fruit have shown efficacy against inflammation, age-related kidney disease and diabetes and in reducing blood cholesterol. 'Amla' shampoos and hair oil are believed to nourish the hair and scalp and prevent premature graying of hair.

Citrus: Citrus trees grow in sunny, humid environment with fertile soil and adequate rainfall. Citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes. They are good sources of vitamin C and flavonoids which give them their characteristic fragrance. Lemon juice is used to relieve the pain of bee stings. Oranges are used for their high contain of vitamin C which prevents scurvy. Orange juice helps prevent calcium oxalate stone formation in the kidney. Daily consumption of lemonade has been shown to decrease the rate of kidney stone formation. The peel is used as a facial cleanser.

Guava (Psidium guajava): Guava trees are fairly cold hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 5 degree Celsius. They bloom and bear fruit from 2-8 years. The fruit may be sweet or sour in taste and off-white to deep pink in colour.

Guavas are included among super-fruits, being rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, folic acid and the dietary minerals potassium, copper and manganese. A single guava fruit contains about four times the amount of vitamin C as an orange. They have very high antioxidant value due to the presence of carotenoids and polyphenols. Red guavas can be used as substitute for tomatoes especially for those sensitive to the acidity of tomatoes.

Leaves and bark have anti-microbial properties and are used as astringent. Extracts from Guava leaves or bark are believed to be effective against cancer, bacterial infections, inflammation and pain. The extract is traditionally used to treat diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery and fever. Guava wood and leaves are used to smoke meat to give flavor and scent to the meat.

Plum (Prunus species): Plums come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They may be yellow, white, green or red with dusty white wax coating giving them a glaucous appearance. The fruit is sweet and juicy and contains several antioxidants besides sugars, fat, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, phosphorus and potassium. They are known for their laxative effect due to the presence of fiber, sorbitol and isatin.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum): They are grown as fruit crop plants and as ornamental trees. Pomegranate trees are drought tolerant and can be grown in dry areas. They can tolerate moderate frost and temperatures up to 10 degree Celsius. They grow easily from seeds but are commonly propagated from 25-50 cm hardwood cuttings.

It is hailed as a super-fruit which can protect the heart. Scientists in Israel have shown that drinking a glass of the fruit juice can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Pomegranate has the highest antioxidant capacity as compared to other juices, red wine and green tea thereby giving protection against chemicals, viruses, bacteria and cancer.

The juice is also used as eye-drop to cure conjunctivitis and slow down the development of cataract. It is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, iron, potassium, polyphenols, fiber, unsaturated oils and micronutrients. It is recommended for pregnant mothers because of its high iron content. The rind of the fruit, bark and leaves is used against diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal parasites and haemorrhoids. Boiled infusion of the rind helps to cure sore throat. A paste of the leaves massaged into the scalp can reverse baldness.

Fruit trees may also be called the storehouses of nature's healing medicines. Cited above are just few examples of the healing effects of fruits and fruit trees. Human beings generate wealth and ultimately spend a lot of it to maintain the health of their bodies. Planting more trees will certainly save the earth.

And planting more fruit trees will heal not only our environment as mentioned earlier but consumption of their fruits will also give us healing and health in our physical bodies. So why not plant more fruit trees, not just trees?