Grapes: A favor from the Bestower

 

 

Grapes (Arb: 'Inab) 

Allah, the Bestower  mentions grapes eight times in the Qur'aan, as one of the innumerable favors He bestowed upon His creation. Grapes are fruits found both on the earth and in paradise according to The Noble Book and Prophetic traditions. 

First, it is mentioned in Surah Al Anaam: 99  

" And out of the date¬palm and its spathe come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when they begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof. Verily! In these things there are signs for people who believe." (99) 

Second, we can find it mentioned in Surah An-Nahl:11 

 "With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date-palms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit. Verily! In this is indeed an evident proof and a manifest sign for people who give thought."(11)

Third, we can find grapes mentioned in Surah An-Nahl:67 

 "And from the fruits of date-palms and grapes, you derive strong drink and a goodly provision. Verily, therein is indeed a sign for people who have wisdom." (67)

Here in Surah YaSeen:34, 35 "And We have made therein gardens of date-palms and grapes, and We have caused springs of water to gush forth therein. (34) So that they may eat of the fruit thereof,— and their hands made it not. Will they not, then, give thanks?"(35)

 Again, it is mentioned in Surah 'Abasaa: 28 "And grapes and clover plants (i.e. green fodder for the cattle), (28) And olives and date-palms, (29) And gardens, dense with many trees, (30) And fruits and herbage. (31) (To be) a provision and benefit for you and your cattle."

I have recounted five of the eight here. The other places grapes can be found in the Noble Qur'aan are Surah Al-Israa: 91; Surah Al-Kahf:32 and  Surah Al-Mu'minoon:19.  

 From these evidences we can see that grapes have been provided for us to eat. They can be eaten fresh, dried, ripe or even cooked. Grapes can be classified as a fruit, food, a condiment, a drink and a medicine. Botanically, grapes are classified as berries. Domesticated grapes grow in clusters and they range in color from pale green to black ( see the picture above). Green grapes are the sweetest when the color has a yellowish cast, and they are more nutritious than the black variety, even if they are equally sweet.  

In  Medicine of the Prophet, Ibn Al-Qayyim  states that it is better  and more nutritious to eat grapes two or three days old, (when the skin becomes soft),than those harvested on the same day. When eaten the same day of harvesting they produce flatulence and gas in the stomach and intestines. Otherwise, the nutritional benefits of table grapes are similar to those of figs and raisins. . 

Grapes are categorized as one of the 'Three Royal Fruits: namely grapes, figs and dates'.  

Health benefits of eating grapes:  

• inhibit the growth of cancer cells

• heart protective antioxidants found in grape seeds such as  proanthocyanidin and resveratrol,contain anti-inflammatory proponents

• scientists have discovered that the flavonoid, carotenoid lycopene found in red grapes may help fight breast cancer and prostate cancer

• assist in weight gaining

• increase body tone

• seedless grapes have a gentle purgative effect

 

Recipe Spotlight:    Greens with Grapes (courtesy of http://www.freshcaliforniagrapes.com)
		Ingredients 1 cup California seedless red grapes, cut in half 3 cups greens, such as radicchio, escarole, frisee, watercress or dandelion greens, or a mix of these, well washed 1 tablespoon red onion, chopped 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/8 teaspoon salt black pepper to taste Directions Place the grapes, greens and onion in a large bowl. Dress with vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Toss gently and serve.

 

 

 

 

The Amazing Papaya Fruit.

Although Papaya is not mentioned in Tibb an Nabawi because it is not a native fruit of the Arabian Peninsula, it is an incredibly valuable addition to our diets as it has a high medicinal value. Papaya was the only studied food found to halt cancer.

Scientists studied 14 plant foods commonly consumed in Mexico to determine their ability to halt breast cancer cell growth. These included avocado, black sapodilla, guava, mango, prickly pear cactus (nopal), pineapple, grapes, tomato, and papaya. They also evaluated the beta-carotene, total plant phenolics, and gallic acid contents and antioxidant capacity of these fruits/vegetables and found that only papaya had a significant effect on stopping breast cancer (International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, May issue).

Papaya is a store-house of cancer-fighting lycopene. The intense orangey-pink colour of papaya means it is full of cancer fighting carotenoids. Not only beta carotene, but lycopene is found in abundance. The construction of lycopene makes it highly reactive towards oxygen and free radicals. Scientists at the University of Illinois think this anti-oxidant activity contributes to its effectiveness as a cancer fighting agent.

Epidemiological studies have indicated an inverse relationship between lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk. They showed that oral lycopene is highly bio available, accumulates in prostate tissue, and is localised in the nucleus of prostate epithelial cells. In addition to antioxidant activity, other experiments have indicated that lycopene induces cancer cell death, anti-metastatic activity, and the up-regulation of protective enzymes. Phase I and II studies have established the safety of lycopene supplementation. (Cancer Letter, October 8, 2008).

Prostate cancer was the subject of a study in Australia that looked at 130 prostate cancer and 274 hospitalized controls. The scientists found that men who consumed the most lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as papaya were 82% less likely to have prostate cancer. In this study, green tea also exerted a powerful anti-cancer effect. When lycopene-rich foods were consumed with green tea, the combination was even more effective, an outcome the researchers credited to their synergy (Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007).

Isothiocyanates found in papaya restore the cell cycle to eliminate cancer. Organo-sulphur compounds called Isothiocyanates are found in papaya. In animal experiments, Isothiocyanates protected against cancers of the breast, lung, colon, pancreas, prostate, as well as leukaemia, and they have the potential to prevent cancer in humans. Isothiocyanates have shown themselves capable of inhibiting both the formation and development of cancer cells through multiple pathways and mechanisms (International Journal of Oncology, October, 2008).

Researchers in Japan clarified the mechanisms of action in a type of Isothiocyanate found in papaya known as BITC, which underlies the relationship between cell cycle regulation and appropriate cell death. When cancerous cells die on schedule, they are no longer a problem. The researchers established that BITC exerted cancer cell killing effects that were greater in the proliferating cells than in the quiescent cells. Cancer cells that are proliferating are much more dangerous than cancer cells that are in a state of dormancy (Forum of Nutrition, 2009).

Papaya smoothie

Enzymes from papaya digest proteins including those that protect tumours. The fruit and other parts of the papaya tree, also known as the paw paw tree, contain papain and chymopapain, powerful proteolytic enzymes that facilitate chemical reactions in the body. They promote digestion by helping to break down proteins from food into amino acids that can be recombined to produce protein useable by humans. Proteolytic enzymes protect the body from inflammation and help heal burns. They do a good job of digesting unwanted scar tissue both on the skin and under its surface.

Being a proteolytic enzyme, papain is able to destroy intestinal parasites, which are composed mostly of protein.

To rid the body of intestinal parasites, half a cup of papaya juice can be alternated each hour for twelve consecutive hours with the same amount of cucumber or green bean juice.

Research has shown that the physical and mental health of people is highly dependent on their ability to produce proteins they can use effectively. However, as people age, they produce less of the enzymes needed to effectively digest proteins from food and free needed amino acids. They are left with excessive amounts of undigested protein which can lead to overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the intestinal tract, and a lack of available amino acids.

Eating papaya after a meal promotes digestion, and helps prevent bloating, gas production, and indigestion. It is quite helpful after antibiotic use to replenish friendly intestinal bacteria that were the casualties in the war against the unwanted bacteria. When the intestinal tract is well populated with friendly bacteria, the immune system is strengthened, and can protect better against flu and cancer.

Papaya contains fibrin, another useful compound not readily found in the plant kingdom. Fibrin reduces the risk of blood clots and improves the quality of blood cells, optimising the ability of blood to flow through the circulatory system. Fibrin is also important in preventing stokes. Proteolytic enzymes containing fibrin are a good idea for long plane rides to minimize the potential of blood clots in the legs. People who sit at a desk all day might want to use proteolytic enzymes too. Proteolytic enzymes are able to digest and destroy the defence shields of viruses, tumours, allergens, yeasts, and various forms of fungus. Once the shield is destroyed, tumours and invading organisms are extremely vulnerable and easily taken care of by the immune system. Undigested proteins can penetrate the gut and wind up in the bloodstream where they are treated by the immune system as invaders. If too many undigested proteins are floating around, the immune system becomes overburdened and unable to attend to the other tasks it was meant to do. Proteolytic enzymes can digest these rogue proteins, freeing up the immune system.

Health Benefits of the Pomegranate.

The pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits and Allah the Almighty mentions this blessed creation in the Holy Qur’an,

“In them both (the Gardens of Paradise) will be fruits, and date palms and pomegranates.” 
[55:68]

Sweet pomegranate has a hot and moist temperament, meaning it is particularly beneficial in helping those who suffer from poor blood circulation / have cold hands and feet. It is also beneficial for the throat, chest, lungs and an inflamed stomach.

Overall, it is an excellent nutritive fruit which benefits the body greatly. Pomegranates are naturally rich in many vitamins and antioxidants. Sweet pomegranate juice is an excellent base for fruit smoothies made with berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries etc.)

A pomegranate concentrate (pomegranate juice with its flesh which has been cooked down until it is reduced and forms a thick paste, and then mixed with a little honey) is beneficial for treating dry, chapped lips and cold sores. This type of concentrate also helps induce bowel movement.

The high levels of antioxidants in pomegranates have been linked to improving heart conditions (by working in a similar fashion to aspirin, the juice helps in reducing the formation of harmful blood clots), reducing blood pressure, protecting against prostate and breast cancers, helping dental conditions and joint problems.

Youtube video on how to seed a Pomegranate easily;



Blue Pomegranate Smoothie Recipe.

Here is one my favourite smoothie recipes for using healthy pomegranate juice. It is dairy-free, but yogurt can be added if preferred. These smoothies are packed with Vitamins C and B.



2 cups of frozen blueberries, slightly thawed.
2 cups of frozen strawberries, slightly thawed.
3 cups of pomegranate juice.
1 tablespoon of runny honey (or caster sugar can be used).
1 sprig of mint (optional).

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

The recipe can be adjusted to make healthy lollies/popsicles for kids with the addition of 1 tablespoon of yogurt added to the ingredients before blending.

Just pour the mixture into lolly/popsicle moulds and freeze until solid (around 4 hours).

The Benefits of Dates.

Fresh ripe dates were the food Allah The Exalted provided for our Mother Maryam (on whom be peace) after she gave birth to 'Isaa (alayhisalaam) under the palm tree, as Allah says in the Qur'an;

"And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates."

[19:25]

Dates are considered one of the essential foods from the Sunnah and are prized in Middle Eastern culture for their sweetness and wholesomeness. They have the ability to metabolize quickly in the body, providing an essential energy boost for those who have been fasting all day.

It is recorded in the works of Imaam Al Bukhari (rahimullah) that Dates and Water where the only two foods available in the house of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on most days;

Our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) said to Urwa (radhi Allahu anhu), "O, the son of my sister! We used to see three crescents in two months, and no fire used to be made in the houses of Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) [i.e. nothing used to be cooked]." 'Urwa said, "What used to sustain you?" A'ishah said, "The two black things i.e. dates and water, except that Allah's Apostle had neighbors from the Ansaar who had some milch she-camels, and they used to give the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) some milk from their house, and he used to make us drink it."
Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 8, Book 76, Number 466

Foods which accompanied Dates in the meals of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

There are a number of authentic Hadith which report that the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sometimes ate dates with other foods. These foods are considered to be the best accompaniments for dates in terms of balancing their temperament and nutrients.

Fresh Ripe dates with [Snake] Cucumber.

Abdullah ibn Ja'far (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that, "I saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) eating fresh dates with snake cucumbers."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 65, Number 358

Snake Cucumber may be the same as or similar to Armenian Cucumber and the seeds can be purchased here - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CUCUMBER-ARMENIAN-YARD-LONG-70-SEEDS-/370631247434?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item564b58064a

Dates with [Musk] Melon.

It is recorded that our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) narrated, "The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to eat melon with fresh dates, and he used to say: "The heat of the one is broken by the coolness of the other, and the coolness of the one by the heat of the other.""
Classed as Hasan by Al Albani - Sunan Abi Dawood Book 27, Hadith 3827

Musk melon can be grown organically in the UK in a heated greenhouse or outside in the garden in a tunnel - http://www.seedsofitaly.com/BIO_MELON_HALES_JUMBO/p1834925_8313668.aspx

A drink of dates soaked overnight in water - Nabeez.

Nabeez is a drink made by soaking either dates or raisins overnight in water and it was provided for our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) during his lifetime as reported in the authentic narrations. It's easy to make and nutritious and makes a great breakfast drink. More info can be found here - http://prophetic-medicine.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/nabeez.html

Dates with Sawwiq [wholegrain barley flour].

It was narrated by Abu Burda (radhi Allahu anhu) that, "When I came to Medinah, I met Abdullah bin Salam (radhi Allahu anhu) and he said, "Will you come to me so that I may serve you with Sawiq (i.e. powdered barley) and dates, and let you enter a (blessed) house that in which the Prophet (sallallahu alahyi wasallam) entered?"...

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 5, Book 58, Number 159

Occasions from Qur'an and Hadith relating to when dates were eaten.

As we can see from the above where Allah Azzawajal mentioned how Maryam (as) was provided with dates after having given birth, dates are a highly beneficial energy booster for new mothers.

Occasions from Hadith;

Before proceeding out for the Eid ul Fit'r Prayer [as a breakfast] - 

It was narrated by Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that, "Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates.

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 2, Book 15, Number 73

and also reported as Sahih in Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 543

Dates should be shared with companions in a gathering, particularly if they are hungry - 

It was narrated by Jabala that "We were in Medinah with some of the Iraqi people, and we were struck with famine and Ibn Az-Zubair used to give us dates. Ibn 'Umar used to pass by and say, "The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) forbade us to eat two dates at a time, unless one takes the permission of one's companions." 

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 43, Number 635

For example, it would be a great blessing therefore to offer dates in the Mosque during Ramadhan at Iftaar for those who have prayed.

Dates for breaking the Fast - 

It was narrated by Anas ibn Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to break his fast before praying with some fresh dates; but if there were no fresh dates, he had a few dry dates, and if there were no dry dates, he took some mouthfuls of water.
Classed as Hasan Sahih by Al Albani - Sunan Abi Dawood Book 13, Hadith 2349

The Sunnah is to consume an odd number [reported as 3 in Riyad As Saliheen, At Tirimithi] and in sha Allaah this is extremely beneficial for our health and should be practiced regularly because it helps not over-eating food at Iftaar time. The body processes the nutritional value of dates very quickly, preventing us from feeling the subsequent need to eat a lot.

http://www.sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/9/249

Ibn Al Qayyim's commentary on dates.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) said that eating fresh dates is particularly beneficial for people who have a cold temperament. They help to rectify a cold, stagnant stomach. But for those who have never eaten fresh dates before or are not used to it, it would cause more harm to start eating them frequently. Dates are beneficial in treating and preventing a number of different illnesses, including constipation, intestinal disorders, weight gain, heart problems, sexual weakness, diarrhoea and abdominal cancers.

In the Middle East, dates are consumed in a number of different ways; like mixing the paste of crushed dates with milk, nuts, yoghurt, or consuming it with bread and clarified butter.

The best dates are grown in the city of Madinah. They are generally sweeter and have a higher fibre content, which helps to provide an important energy boost at breakfast and normalise digestion. 

Dates are said to have the highest fibre content of all dried fruits and a daily serving of 20-35 grams of fibre in dates is recommended by the American Cancer Society. Dates are one of natures most highest sources of potassium; a mineral which is vital to the regular and healthy contractions of the heart muscle. Potassium is also required by the human body to balance the digestive system and nervous system.

It is also said that eating just one date each day guards against weakening eyesight for a lifetime.

The profound blessings of Ajwa' Dates.

Ajwa' dates are smaller and darker in colour and slightly less sweet than other varieties. Ma sha Allaah it is for this reason that I have personally found them more to my liking [easier to eat] than varieties which are larger and sweeter.

There is no doubt that the sand of Madinah where the Ajwa' date palm plantations stand even to this day is blessed and full of Shifa due to the sacred status of this city, and Saad bin Abi Waqaas narrated that God’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever eats seven Medinah dates [Ajwa'] for his breakfast will suffer from neither poison nor witchcraft for that day.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

King Saud University researchers find Awja Date's cancer prevention properties - http://www.healthymuslim.com/articles/ipgbfzokh-ajwa-dates-contain-cancer-preventing-property.cfm

Purchase Ajwa' dates in the UK - http://www.healthmeanswealth.co.uk/Date_Shop.php

Turmeric; beneficial for Skin & maybe even for Cancer.

The use of turmeric is neither from the Qur'an nor the Sunnah, but nonetheless, it is a highly beneficial spice and this is the reason for mentioning it in this post.

Turmeric is derived from the root of a subcontinental plant, where the root is dried and ground to powder to produce a bright yellow spice used mainly in South Asian cuisine. Turmeric has been used in India for over 2500 years; as a dye and an ingredient in food and beauty products. Long renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, Turmeric proves exceptionally beneficial in the treatment of a wide variety of illnesses including Alzheimer’s, arthritis and some forms of cancer. Turmeric has been used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic which helps in healing cuts, burns, stings and bites. When combined in a dish with cauliflower, it can help sufferers of prostrate cancer. A paste made of turmeric can also help reduce skin melanoma. Turmeric is a natural liver detoxifier and has been used in Chinese Medicine as a natural treatment for depression. Sufferers of gallstones or bile obstructions and pregnant women should consult their doctor before using turmeric in natural remedies.

Turmeric is particularly beneficial in evening out skin pigmentation. It can be mixed with besan (gram flour) and cucumber juice and lemon juice to form a paste. The paste should be applied to the affected area for 15 minutes. Used frequently, you should be able to notice a more even skin tone insha’Allah. A tea made with Turmeric root is very good for fighting the bacteria which causes diarrhoea. Turmeric root powder (Haldi) should be used in cooking and can be added to stews and casseroles as well as omelettes and in marinades for meat and vegetables. 

Top 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Turmeric