Last Updated on November 27, 2020
In the last few years, year-round weather conditions for most of the world have become harsh. In some countries, it has been either too warm or cold. The frequent changes in the weather make people ill because their bodies cannot keep up with the fluctuations.
The situation is worse in tropical countries where warm and humid days turn into cool nights. With that, people are becoming more aware of the need to take care of their bodies.
Some include regular exercise and healthy eating in their lifestyles. Others simply take time to rest, relax and hydrate themselves.
Aside from drinking water, people also opt to eat fruits to replenish the lost water in their bodies. Among these hydrating fruits is the pomelo. The pomelo (Citrus maxima) is a large citrus fruit from the Rutaceae family.
Often found in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia, the fruit’s taste is a cross between a grapefruit and an orange. Aside from being eaten on its own, the pomelo is also used in desserts and salads.
With a form larger than other citrus fruits, choosing pomelos as a must-have fruit in one’s home is a smart move.
However, what advantages can people get from consuming pomelo fruits? Here are seven health benefits that will surely give you reason to try them.
Strengthens Immunity System
Since the pomelo is a citrus fruit, it is a great source of Vitamin C. Eating a whole pomelo fruit a day decreases the chance of getting sick thanks to its Vitamin C component.
The pomelo is also full of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, which increase the activity of white blood cells and prevent the body from collecting free radicals that can damage the cells.
According to a 2015 research to measure the antioxidant activity in citrus fruits, it was discovered that the Vitamin C concentrate extracted from pomelos reached 60 mg/100g, which is high compared to other citrus fruits.
The study also found out that the pomelo, as measured from its peel, has high pectin content. Located in plant cell walls, pectin lowers blood lipid levels and helps maintain kidneys.
Enhances Digestion
Pomelo fruits are also a great source of fiber. Containing six grams of dietary fiber, pomelos help clean the digestive system and ensure normal bowel movement.
A 2015 research on using dehydrated pomelo albedo as a source of dietary fiber in Philippine pork sausages found that the fruit by-product binds and holds the sausage meat without entirely changing its taste.
The inclusion of pomelo albedo in pork sausages made it a healthier option compared to regular Philippine pork sausages. In another study done in 2017, pomelo rinds potentially increased the nutritional value of rice-based breakfast cereal products.
Since many people lack fiber, eating food with pomelo by-product is recommended. If one is into weight loss, including pomelo fruits in the diet is helpful too, since it relieves hunger pangs thanks to the fiber.
Promotes Clean and Healthy Skin
Pomelo fruits are also found to contain Vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital in maintaining clear and healthy skin, which it does by improving blood flow. It also helps in replenishing collagen in the body.
When collagen is replenished in the body, it allows a person to have reduced fine lines and wrinkles, making them look more vibrant. Vitamin A in pomelo fruits also helps the skin repair itself.
Moreover, eating pomelo regularly discourages the appearance of dark brown spots on the face. Sebum production is also decreased, lowering the chances of having acne and pimples.
Nowadays, citrus fruit extracts, such as those from the pomelo fruit, are considered essential ingredients in skincare products, especially in products targeting those with oily skin.
If you’re interested in other ways to include pomelo in your diet, you can try pomelo tea or candied pomelo.
Encourages Hair Health
Pomelos also promote hair growth. Their peel extracts are rich in vitamins and other minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc. Aside from its extracts, oils from the fruit can also be harvested and applied on the scalp and hair.
The pomelo also decreases chances of having dandruff since it keeps both the scalp and hair well-hydrated. The extract can also be used to strengthen hair follicles and fight hair thinning. As the fruit refreshes the body, it also helps cool the head, literally.
Prevents Bacterial Infection
Aside from storing various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, pomelo fruit extract also has antibacterial properties. Eating the fruit and drinking its juice fresh can help fight bacterial infection thanks to the Vitamin C it contains.
It also prevents bad breath and promotes healthy teeth and gums. Moreover, the pomelo does not only fight bacterial infection, but it also hastens skin repair during wound injuries.
It was found out in 2018 research, which discussed the efficiency of the antibacterial properties of pomelo peel extract, that alkaloids were highly abundant in the skin of the pomelo fruit.
Results also showed that pomelo peel extract is effective in inhibiting bacterial growth.
However, the difference in concentration (75% and 95% extract solutions) had significant effects on Staphylococcus aureus, which, if not monitored or treated, can cause skin and throat infections, among others.
Energizes Body
As the saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, it’s not just for apples, but other fruits, too! Fresh fruit juices are a great alternative to water when quenching thirst.
Not only that, pomelo fruits are great options to refresh oneself since they also provide nutrients lost through sweat. Therefore, do not hesitate to cut open or juice a pomelo for refreshment with a twist! Better yet, you can also make salad out of the fruit.
Replenishes Body Water
Aside from preventing illnesses, consuming pomelo fruit can help the body restore the water it lost. Pomelo fruits are rich in magnesium and potassium, which can be of help during muscle cramps.
Having pomelo in one’s regular diet can also be advantageous since frequent consumption of the fruit will allow one to harness most of its benefits.
Are you interested in including pomelo fruits in your lifestyle? How about starting with some pomelo-inspired dishes? Here are some recipes to kick things off.
Refreshing Pomelo Juice
A quick and easy way of consuming a pomelo, aside from eating the fruit, is by drinking its juice. This recipe gathers the following basic ingredients: pomelo fruit, syrup or honey to taste, cold drinking water, and ice cubes.
Basically, the fruit is cut open and its flesh is tossed into the blender with syrup and cold drinking water. The juice is then poured into glasses and served with as much ice cubes as desired.
The preparation is simple, but sometimes even the simplest pomelo drink can make a difference in quenching one’s thirst.
Vietnamese Pomelo Sweet Soup
In a pomelo fruit, everything can be consumed. This is proven by the Vietnamese pomelo sweet soup, which uses pomelo skin as its main ingredient.
The soup is considered a dessert, and consists of pomelo peel, mung bean, coconut milk, tapioca starch, and sugar, among others. This pomelo dessert offers different flavors and textures. The bitter pomelo rind mixed with the mung bean and coconut milk combines crunchy and chewy in one bite.
Certainly, the pomelo dessert dish will boost one’s energy with its colorful ride of flavors. Interested in making the Vietnamese pomelo sweet soup? You can find the recipe here.
Pomelo Peel Preserve/Pomelo Fruit Marmalade
Now, for those who would like to start a business using pomelos, canning pomelo peel preserves and pomelo fruit marmalades are good ways to go.
The key to creating the pomelo peel preserve is to cut the rind into thin slices. Aside from that, portions of the other ingredients, such as water, salt, and sugar, must be measured correctly.
This is done to attain the right mix of sweetness and sourness in the preserve. Meanwhile, creating the pomelo fruit marmalade is quite similar to making the preserve. The only difference is that sugar is considered the second most important ingredient in the mix, after the pomelo fruit.
This is to achieve the jam-like taste and texture that constitutes a marmalade. Both pomelo products require the mixtures to be boiled first then sealed in tight cans or jars.
Sterilizing the containers is also an essential part of canning the products. Doing so will allow the canned pomelo products to taste better and have a longer shelf life.
With the ever-changing weather, it is vital that people take care of their overall well-being. Achieving this requires not only finding cures for illnesses but also going the extra mile of preventing poor health where possible.
Incorporating the pomelo fruit into one’s lifestyle could be one of the ways to do this. Certainly, the benefits and recipes mentioned above can serve as one’s starting point.