From citrus fruits to green plants, our world today has access to numerous natural superfoods offering diverse health advantages. Among these superfoods, one hidden gem is often overlooked but possesses a truckload of benefits. Tucked away in the vibrant landscapes of Southeast Asia, the pulasan fruit is a unique fruit that possesses amazing qualities and benefits.
Pulasan contains a wide array of diverse minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants such as vitamin C, copper, fiber, polyphenols, and phytochemicals. All these nutrients together contribute to the several health benefits of pulasan. Come along as we explore the distinctive world of the pulasan fruit.
What is pulasan?
Also called nephelium mutabile blume, pulasan is a tropical fruit that originates from the soapberry family of Sapindaceae. The distinct fruit is from the pulasan tree, an ornamental tree that is common to landscapes in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The cultivation of pulasan dates back centuries when indigenes utilized it for diverse recipes and traditions. The name pulasan originates from the Malaysian word “pulas” meaning twist. This is attached to how the fruit is opened; pulasan is opened by twisting the fruit with both hands.
Although sometimes confused with rambutan fruit, the appearance of pulasan is vibrant and distinctive. The fruit is encased in a spiky, thick zest, which resembles a little sea urchin. The skin is covered with soft red or green spines. As the pulasan fruit matures, the spines clear away to reveal a more translucent and smooth flesh that possesses pale or pink hues.
The texture of pulasan is juicy and succulent with a flavor of sweetness mixed with a hint of acidity giving it a delightful taste. People describe its taste to be a blend of citrus and grapes.
The unique fruit of pulasan can be enjoyed raw in diverse ways that include raw snacking, smoothies, salads, and desserts.
The awesomeness of pulasan fruit extends beyond its taste and unique appearance. The fruit houses a truckload of powerful nutrients that supports different bodily functions. Pulasan possesses amazing health advantages due to these nutrients. Let us look into some of the fantastic health benefits of pulasan fruit:
Amazing health benefits of pulasan
The distinctiveness of pulasan fruit extends beyond its appearance and taste. Pulasan is an amazing nutritional powerhouse that offers an extensive range of health advantages. The fruit possesses strong health benefits due to the amazing nutrients that it contains. These nutrients together are beneficial to our overall well-being. Let’s examine some of the health benefits of pulasan.
1. Beneficial for skin and eye health
One of the powerful compounds that pulasan contains is beta-carotene, a kind of carotenoid that plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. This antioxidant can benefit the skin by acting as a protective barrier against oxidative stress that can cause premature skin aging and skin cell damage. Beta-carotene can also help neutralize the free radicals that cause fine lines and wrinkles thereby supporting a healthy appearance of the skin. Moreover, beta-carotene has been linked to UV protection, meaning that eating fruits like pulasan can help reduce the effects of UV radiation from the sun on the skin. Beta-carotene can also help the skin maintain moisture and prevent flakiness and dryness.
Furthermore, beta-carotene can support eye health by supporting the functions of the retina, thereby protecting the eye from night blindness and other eye issues. Due to the antioxidant qualities of beta-carotene, it can aid in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, especially in older people.
2. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Pulasan contains diverse antioxidants that contribute to the pulasan health benefits, such as xanthones, polyphenols, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. All these nutrients are powerful and can help protect the body from harmful radicals, thereby protecting the cells from damage. Xanthones and polyphenols, for example, possess anti-inflammatory qualities that are beneficial for combatting certain conditions like chronic inflammation, which is a notable contributor to health issues like cardiovascular diseases and arthritis. Polyphenols can offer the cardiovascular system support by reducing the risk of heart diseases and improving the functions of the blood vessels.
Carotenoids and anthocyanins also possess anti-inflammatory qualities. Carotenoids such as beta-carotene can boost cardiovascular health and offer cell protection. Anthocyanins can help reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), boost cognitive function, and have positive effects on insulin sensitivity that are particularly beneficial for the management of diabetes.
3. Support for the immune system
A strong immune system is non-negotiable when it comes to optimal well-being. Although there are diverse foods that can aid the functions of the immune system, pulasan stands out because it contains diverse vitamins and strong antioxidants. Pulasan is an amazing source of vitamin C, an antioxidant appreciated for its immune-boosting qualities. Vitamin C is essential for the body even though it cannot produce it. This unique vitamin is vital for many functions like the production of white blood cells, which is extremely important for immune system response. Pulasan also contains copper, which can help maintain the development of immune cells and provide support for the body’s defense.
Moreover, pulasan contains other powerful antioxidants like xanthones, and polyphenols that can help combat cancer. Certain studies suggest that xanthones and polyphenols may possess anti-cancer qualities, possibly hindering the spread of cancerous cells. This antioxidant can also support the body’s defense by wading off infections due to its antimicrobial and antifungal qualities. By consuming pulasan, the body gets more reinforcements against diseases and infections.
4. Support digestive health
Pulasan health benefits also include the enhancement of digestive health. It contains dietary fiber, which can benefit the digestive system in several ways. Dietary fiber can help promote smooth and regular bowel movements by adding bulk to stools. Consuming foods high in fiber like pulasan can also aid in the prevention of constipation and stomach discomfort. The fiber composition in pulasan can also serve as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are compounds that are important for the development and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria. A good balance of gut bacteria is necessary for proper digestion and maintenance of gut health.
Additionally, vitamin C and other phytonutrients that pulasan contains can also help prevent inflammation that is caused by oxidative stress in the digestive system. This inflammation can lead to digestive disorders but eating foods like pulasan can help prevent this. Furthermore, pulasan can be beneficial for weight management because of its dietary fiber composition. Fiber is necessary for weight management diets as it can help you stay full for longer hours and prevent unhealthy snacking. Moreover, it is a low-calorie fruit, which makes it a nutritious and good snack option.
Conclusion
The rich nutrient profile of pulasan contributes to its diverse health advantages. From support of skin health, enhancement of the immune system, and its anti-inflammatory properties, the pulasan health benefits are quite distinctive and extensive. However, as with any food, remember to consume pulasan in moderation and eat other foods as well to maintain a balanced diet.
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