Nabeela Vadi – Cii Radio

Have you heard about the fruit that contains a drop of water from paradise in each seed? Known in Arabic as; Ar Rumm, the Pomegranate; is certainly a blessing in disguise.

Mentioned 3 times in the Qur’aan, and a sunnah food of the Prophet Muhammed (SAW), the pomegranate is the fruit of Jannah.

“In both of them [gardens] are two springs, spouting […]In both of them are fruit and palm trees and pomegranates. So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?” [Quran, 55:66-69]

The Blessed Fruit

Represented as a pink-like outer shell this sweet-sour fruit reveals gems of pink-red pulp-like tissue, once the white leathery skin is removed. These “jelly-seeds” can be plucked loose for a snack or an exotic additive to your drink.

Rich in vitamin C, Vitamin B5, B9, K, potassium, zinc and calcium; this Pandora fruit with its hidden treasures is a nutritious fruit, as much as it is a heavenly treat.

“And He it is who produces gardens (of vine), trellised and untrellised, and palms and seed-produce of which the fruits are of various sorts, and olives and pomegranates, like and unlike; eat of its fruit when it bears fruit, and pay the due of it on the day of its reaping, and do not act extravagantly; surely He does not love the extravagant.” [Quran, 6:141]

Listed hereunder, are a few health benefits of eating pomegranate and/ or drinking its juice

Fights Breast Cancer – pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells and helps prevent breast cancer cells from forming.

Lung Cancer Prevention – pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.

Slows Prostate Cancer

Protects the Neonatal Brain – Studies show that consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.

Prevention of Osteoarthritis – Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.

Protects the Arteries – prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.

Assists in Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

Lowers Cholesterol – It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol).

Lowers Blood Pressure

Dental Protection – Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque.

Anti-oxidant – Acts as natural anti-oxidant in the body and fights bad bacteria.

Immune System Booster – strengthens the immune system and helps prevents colds and flues.

The Best Reason to eat Pomegranates

The Beloved Prophet, Muhammed SAW is reported to have said, “there is not a pomegranate which does not have a pip from one of the pomegranate of the Garden(of Jannah) in it.” [Abu Nu’aim]

And who will miss the opportunity to not have the Mubarak water of Jannah flow in their blood? Eating the pomegranate fruit is a sunnah of Allah’s beloved Rasool SAW and so this is the best reason for us to appease our tastebuds.

Your Sunnah Basket of Goodness: The fantastic fig

Allah SWT says, [I swear] by the fig and the olive. [Qur’an, 95:1]

How powerful is this oath? Whilst the deeper meaning of this aayat are numerous, Allah tells us in Surah al – Tin, that the fruit harvested from the fig tree, is the fruit that He has taken a promise by. A fruit that profits the indulger.

The Fig Outlined

Described as a soft pear-shaped fruit with a sweet dark flesh containing many small seeds, the fig is the oldest fruit related to the Mulberry tree family. Figs can be eaten fresh perceived as a visibly pink flesh or brown when dried, but is equally nutritious and enjoyable.

According to Sayyidina Abu Darda someone presented figs to the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and he (SAW) began distributing it among his followers. Muhammed (SAW) said: “Eat it as it cures various diseases”

Not only does the fig fruit serve as a cure to ailments, but when fully ripe, the fig can be a delicious delectably-sweet fruit.

Benefits of Figs

Rich in fibre; the fig fruit aids in digestion and can prevent colon and related cancers if ingested daily. Also a facilitator in cholesterol, figs also regulate blood sugar. Diets of persons containing figs have substantial evidence to prove its claims of preventing cancer and heart disease.

Whilst the body cannot manufacture Omega 6 and Omega 3, figs contain both these Omegas and Phytosterol which aids in the proper functioning of the brain, heart and nervous system. Poisons are also proven to be expelled from the body by eating figs.

The health benefits include:

[Benefits Extracted from Islamic Life – Health Benefits of Figs or Anjeer]

• Prevent constipation: There are 5 grams of fiber per three-fig serving. So, it helps in healthy bowel function and prevents constipation.

• Weight loss: The fiber in figs also helps to reduce weight and is recommended for obese people. Take care – figs also result in weight gain, especially when consumed with milk.

• Lower cholesterol: Figs contain Pectin, a soluble fiber. When fiber goes through the digestive system, it mops up globes of cholesterol and carries them out of body.

• Prevent coronary heart disease: Dried figs contain phenol, Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

• Prevent colon cancer: The presence of fiber helps to mop up and usher out cancer causing substances.

• Protection against post-menopausal breast cancer: Fiber content in figs give protection against breast cancer.

• Good for diabetic patients: Figs have been recommended for a high fiber treat. Fig leaves reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients who have to take insulin injection. Fig is rich in Potassium. Potassium helps to control blood sugar. Fig leaves have anti-diabetic properties

• Prevention of hypertension: People used to take more sodium in the form of salt. Low potassium and high sodium level may lead to hypertension. Figs are high in potassium but low in sodium. So, it helps to avoid hypertension.

• Sexual weakness: Figs are known since ages for reducing sexual weakness. Soak 2-3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in the morning to enhance your sexual power. It also helps in gaining weight.

• Strengthens bones: Figs are rich in Calcium. Calcium helps to strengthen bones.

• Urinary calcium loss: People having high salt diet may be affected by increased urinary calcium loss. Potassium content in figs helps to avoid that.

• Prevent macular degeneration: Vision loss in older people is due to macular degeneration. Fruits and figs generally are good for avoiding this condition.

• Relief for throat: The high mucilage content in figs, helps to heal and protect sore throats.
Figs are quite useful in various respiratory disorders including whooping cough and asthma. Since they are also good for digestion, they help in treating constipation, indigestion, stomach ache, etc. Figs are also good for fever, earache, boils, abscesses, venereal diseases and is excellent for the liver. Fig is a highly alkaline food, therefore helps to regulate the pH of the body. Figs are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. These are antioxidants, which prevent the damage caused by free radicals. Fig is known for its soothing and laxative properties. Figs are low in fat and sugar.

Uses of Figs

The leaves of figs have been used also for diabetes, ringworm, warts and shingles. For diabetes a tea is made from the leaves. For skin infections a tea is made with the leaves and is then applied to the skin.

Time to toss all those harmful chemically based creams because figs are also excellent for the skin. They are very helpful in the reducing the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, as well as removing fine lines and wrinkles.

Enjoyed as a snack, figs are a healthier alternative to your store bought chocolate and sweets. With more flavor and high nutrition, figs are the way to go!