Health benefits of pomelo!

The pomelo is an unusual member of citrus that has a surprising number of health benefits. These impressive benefits include its ability to boost the immune system, improve digestion, improve blood pressure , reduce colic, prevent anemia , increase bone strength, reduce signs of premature aging , prevent cancer, protect heart health, help in weight loss.

Benefits:

1. Stimulates the immune system:

Pomelo is an excellent source of ascorbic acid that has been used for generations in Southeast Asia as an immune system booster. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, a substance that increases the activity of white blood cells and prevents free radicals that attack and can damage the body’s organ systems. It helps fight infections that lead to colds, cough, fever and more serious symptoms or microbial, viral and bacterial infections.

2. Aids in digestion:

Most fruits contain high amounts of fiber. A pomelo (only edible meat) contains about 25% of your daily fiber requirement. This promotes healthy digestion and eliminates problems like constipation and diarrhea.

The high fiber content promotes smooth movement in the digestive tract, and stimulates the secretion of digestive and gastric juices that help break down complex and more difficult-to-digest proteins in food. This keeps the digestive system functioning at a high level.

3. Regulates blood pressure:

Pomelos are a good source of potassium and each fruit contains approximately 37% of your daily requirement. Potassium is a vasodilator, that is, it releases tension in blood vessels and promotes increased blood circulation and oxygenation of organs and systems. This also reduces strain on the heart and lowers your chances of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

4. Prevents muscle pain:

Potassium is  also important for the body’s fluid balance, which is a key aspect of muscle pain and stiffness. Without adequate levels of potassium in the body, the body is susceptible to cramps, muscle pain and torn ligaments.

5. Strengthens the bones: 

Intake of potassium helps to improve bone density as it helps to facilitate the absorption of other minerals essential for keeping bones strong. Therefore, pomelos  help in preventing osteoporosis and fragility of the bones in the body.

6. It’s a great anti-aging:

The high levels of vitamin C in grapefruit act as antioxidants. Preventing what free radicals cause is skin degradation and signs of premature aging like wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots. High intake of vitamin C can prevent this. Pomelo also contain spermadine , a rare chemical that is actually found in human sperm, hence the name. This has been closely linked to anti-aging properties.

7. Helps in weight loss:

Pomelo contains a “fat burning enzyme” which can help you reduce your weight. It’s called Carnitine Pamitoyl-transferase, and it’s not found in many foods.

8. Collagen source:

Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which strengthens tissues, organs and cells. This can increase the strength of your gums and oral surfaces, to prevent them from becoming infected or weak, which can result in tooth loss and dangerous oral disease.

Precaution:

The high levels of vitamin C and potassium in this fruit can make it dangerous for patients with liver and kidney disease. Also, patients with hypotension (low blood pressure) CANNOT consume too much pomelo , because it lowers blood pressure significantly. Other than that, enjoy the fruit which is rare and has a lot of health benefits.