Nephelium lappaceum or as it is popularly known, rambutan, is a fruit native to Southeast Asia and currently has spread throughout Australia, India and America. Its red or yellow color and the plume that characterizes it surrounding the entire exterior, gives it an exotic touch, on the other hand, this fruit has a juicy and extremely sweet pulp. In addition, its seed stands out for the extraction of oils that have industrial and medicinal uses.
According to the traditional medicine of Malaysia and Indonesia, this is one of the fruits with more medicinal properties that exists and as a result, it has many uses, such as: eliminating waste in the kidneys, providing energy, eliminating free radicals, reducing fat body, prevent premature aging, strengthen bones, improve the immune system, improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the risk of different types of cancer. On the other hand, its use in the kitchen is somewhat limited, however, it is used to prepare cocktails, juices, juices and cakes, not to mention that on many occasions it is used to decorate dishes in professional gastronomy.
Index
Rambutan benefits
Rambutan is a particularly recommended fruit, as it provides a wide variety of benefits thanks to its composition, in which you can find many essential vitamins and minerals for the proper functioning of the body. Among the benefits of this fruit that stand out the most are the following:
Contributes to reducing the risk of cancer
In studies carried out by the Kebangsan University of Malaysia, it has been shown that rambutan is one of the many fruits that has antioxidants both in the pulp and in the skin, in addition its seed has turned out to be a small container of properties that help in prevention of different types of cancer.
Maintains energy
The high content of carbohydrate and the protein that is present in rambutan increases energy levels when consumed. On the other hand, being composed mostly of water, it helps to recover lost energy, therefore, this fruit can be considered as a natural energizer.
Eliminates waste in the kidneys
Phosphorus is one of the properties that rambutan possesses and stimulates the elimination of any waste found in the kidneys. On the other hand, it should be noted that, for the development and conservation of the most important tissues of the body, it is necessary to maintain adequate levels of phosphorus.
Strengthens the bone system
Helping to strengthen the bone system can be done through the active consumption of fruits such as rambutan, since it is an excellent source of iron, calcium and phosphorus, which are ideal minerals to keep bones strong and in good condition. The healthier the skeletal system is, the less likely it is to have some type of fracture or bone disease, such as osteoporosis.
Strengthens the immune system
The vitamin C found in this fruit promotes the strengthening of the immune system, to prevent the body from infections and common viral diseases, all this happens due to the better absorption that vitamin C produces of minerals such as iron and copper, which are minerals that help keep the immune system working properly.
Eliminate free radicals
Free radicals act in the body in two ways; causing aging or in the worst case producing serious diseases, however, there are several ways to protect the body from this process and one of those ways is by consuming rambutan. Thanks to its content of antioxidants and gallic acid, the body protects itself to prevent premature aging and helping it fight and prevent the appearance of cancer.
Increases the production of red and white blood cells
Copper and manganese are two of the essential minerals that a fruit such as rambutan contains, these two components are vital for the production of red and white blood cells, manganese also contributes to the production of enzymes that the body needs for its optimal functioning.
Improves the appearance of the skin
This fruit is composed mostly of water, which makes the skin stay hydrated and smooth for much longer, which prevents dryness and possible premature aging, not to mention that it also helps prevent wrinkles and cracks on the skin.
Helps reduce body fat
Just as rambutan contains a large amount of water, it also provides a good dose of fiber and very few calories, making it an excellent option for reducing body fat. It is important to mention that the seed of this fruit can be crushed and mixed with other foods at an industrial level to accelerate weight loss.
Another point in favor is that the intestinal transit is benefited when eating rambutan, thanks to its fiber content.
These are the nutritional properties of rambutan
As mentioned above, from the nutritional point of view, rambutan is a fruit that stands out, because it has a large amount of vitamins and minerals, which are the components in charge of benefiting the human body. Among the components that this fruit has, are the following:
The vitamins that this fruit has are the following:
- C vitamin.
- Vitamin B.
- Vitamin E.
On the other hand, it has the following minerals:
- Football.
- Potassium.
- Match.
- Fiber.
- Manganese.
- Iron.
- Copper.
Finally, it should be mentioned that it also has folic acid, which provides many health benefits.
What is the best way to eat rambutan?
In the case of rambutan, the best way to consume it is natural, since in this way all its benefits can be obtained more directly. To consume it naturally, you can leave it in the refrigerator for a while to cool it down and make it much more refreshing. It is very easy to make a small cut in the middle of its rind to open it and reveal the fleshy fruit inside.
The seed is not consumed directly, although it is used in processed products, due to its medicinal properties. When the seed is processed, it can be used in oils, which provide many benefits to human health.
Does rambutan have any side effects?
Rambutan has few side effects, however, if there is a high consumption, the following problems may appear:
- Due to its high fiber content, it can cause diarrhea if consumed in large amounts per day.
- There is also the risk of poisoning if the shell or seed is eaten.
- In some people, this fruit can cause allergies and create symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, itching or a rash.
Conclusion: Is it worth including this fruit in the daily diet?
Including this fruit in the daily diet only provides a wide variety of benefits, since as mentioned above, its composition is full of minerals and vitamins that are essential for the proper functioning of the body, therefore, its consumption is fully recommended, as long as it is done in moderation, since a consumption in high quantities can generate side effects of very bad taste. Finally, it should be mentioned that no fruit, or natural remedy, can replace current medicine, therefore, before wanting to treat a disease with this fruit, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.