Dried Fruits

Strawberry

Botanical name: Frugaria

Fragaria commonly known as strawberry or garden strawberry is a hybrid species that is cultivated worldwide for its fruit. The fruit is widely appreciated for its characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture, and sweetness. The strawberry is an aggregate accessory fruit, meaning that the fleshy part is derived not from the plant's ovaries but from the receptacle that holds the ovaries. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids.

Benefits and uses:

Strawberry is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of folate and potassium, and a very good source of dietary fiber, and manganese.

Strawberry juice is recommended in treating liver disorders such as hepatitis, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The juice stimulates liver activity and encourages the renewal of hepatic cells and tissue.

It cure has an excellent effect in the treatment of skin diseases such as acne, dermatosis and psoriasis, catalyzing the healing processes. The treatment has a positive side-effect, by detoxifying the body, owing to the fact that strawberries help eliminate toxins through three paths: diuresis, sweat and faeces.

Strawberry cure is recommended also during summer in order to increase the resistance to high temperatures. It has a cooling effect and it stimulates the nervous system, acting against fatigue and asthenia that appear during hot periods.

Strawberries are a popular addition to dairy products, as in strawberries flavored ice cream, milkshakes and yogurts.

Mango

Botanical name: Mangifera indica

Mango is called "The King of fruits" due to its sweetness and richness in phytochemicals and nutrients. It is praised as "heavenly fruit" in Vedas. It is also known as "Super fruit" due to its potential health values. Mango is a member of Anacardiaceae family and cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Benefits and uses:

Mango is considered a very useful remedy and energizer in Ayurveda and used to balance all three humors or doshas (Vata, Kapha or and Pitta), especially Pitta dosha.

The insoluble fiber, present in mangoes, helps the elimination of waste from the colon and prevents constipation.

The tartaric acid, malic acid, and a trace of citric acid found in the fruit help to maintain the alkali reserve of the body.

Extracts of leaves, bark, stem and unripe mangoes are believed to possess antibacterial properties against some micro-organisms

Dried mango flowers are used in the treatment of diarrhea, chronic dysentery and some problems of the bladder.

Antioxidants and enzymes present in the mango fruits are believed to play an important role in the prevention/protection of cancer (colon, breast, leukemia and prostate) and heart disease. Serum cholesterol is regulated by the high content of fiber, pectin and vitamin C present in the mango.

Sour, unripe mangoes are used in chutneys, athanu, pickles, or side dishes, or may be eaten raw with salt, chili, or soy sauce. A summer drink called panna or panha comes from mangoes.