They are therefore advised to consume fruits and vegetables...

They are therefore advised to consume fruits and vegetables that are rich in calcium. They have also to be particular to regularly take soup made from bones of sheep and lemon juice.” [^5] Generally for people and in particular for the pregnant women the raw and cooked vegetables and fruits are considered good food. The plants derive the nutrients from the soil, water, air and sunlight and store the food for us.

All the fruits have good nutritive value but particularly apples, quince, pears, dates are very useful. Likewise every vegetable has its own nutritive value. Different vitamins and minerals are provided to the body by different food grains, fruits and vegetables. A person who wants to take good care of his nutrition should take a mix of fruits and vegetables and try to eat all the seasons fruits, even if occasionally.

Particularly, the pregnant women should make a careful mix of different food materials in their diet. Islam exhorts its people and the pregnant womenfolk to eat fruits and vegetables. A few quotations are given here to prove our point: Imam as-Sadiq says: “Everything adorns some place or other and similarly the vegetables adorn the dining area." [^6] One day when Imam Ridha’ sat for his meal he found the vegetable salad missing from the fare.

He told to his servant, “You know that I don’t eat food without the salads. Please bring the salads for me.” When the salads were brought the Imam commenced his meal. The Holy Prophet is on record saying, “Eat quince because it enhances your intelligence, removes worries and makes the child gentle."[^7] The Prophet also said: “Eat quinces and present its good fruits to your friends because it improves the eyesight and makes the hearts mellow.

The pregnant women too draw lots of benefit from this fruit and their new born children are pretty and healthy."[^8] “During the last months of pregnancy the women should eat the dates that their children have forbearing natures."[^9] ‘Ali, The Commander of the Faithful, says: “Eat the dates that they are the cure of all pains."[^10] There are innumerable traditions of the Prophet and his Infallible Descendants that throw light on the high nutritive value of different fruits and vegetables.

Nutritionists can devise ideal diet schedule including appropriate quantities of these fruits and vegetables for various requirements. Consulting a nutritionist or a specialist medical practitioner will be very useful.