15 health benefits of santol!

The benefits of santol that many do not know as this is an exotic fruit, native to Indochina and the Malay Peninsula. It is now widely cultivated in warm tropical countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, tropical Africa, Mexico, Central and South America. In Indonesia, it is called wild mangosteen. The fruit is round, the size of an apple, with a white pulp and a sweet and sour taste, but the skin is thicker and velvety.

There are two types of santol , the yellow and red varieties. The fruit of the red variety is the color of a ripe peach. The fruit of the yellow variety is much paler with a mixture of pale yellow and a little greenish color.

Health benefits of santol:

1. Cancer prevention: 

As mentioned above, santol contains many antioxidants that can prevent the growth of cancer cells. In one study, mice with mammary tumors were given extracts daily, and after a while, the number and size of the tumors were greatly reduced.

2. Keep your teeth healthy: 

Just like apples, biting and chewing santol stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva, reducing tooth decay and decreasing the number of bacteria in the mouth.

3. Lowering bad cholesterol (LDL): 

Santol contains pectins , a soluble fiber. Pectin, along with good cholesterol (HDL), will bind to bad cholesterol (LDL) in the intestines, preventing fats from being absorbed by our circulatory system. The high level of LDL cholesterol contributes to hypertension, stroke and heart disease.

4. Controls body weight: 

Santol contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Foods that are high in fiber can fill us up, making us feel full. This makes our food cravings lower while improving the health of the body. Many health problems are related to obesity, such as cardiomyopathy, stroke, hypertension and sleep disorder.

5. Strengthen the immune system:

Santol contains quercetin , an antioxidant that can boost the immune system. Quercetin is a flavonoid that can be found in most vegetables and fruits. It is believed to promote cancer prevention and treatment, but more research is still needed on the relationship between quercetin and cancer.

Since antioxidants are needed in our body, it is not painful to consume quercetin, including the one contained in santol . Our body needs antioxidants to prevent cell damage and keep cells growing normally. The vitamin C contained in these fruits also increases stamina.

6. Against anemia: 

Anemia is a problem characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells. Santol contains iron , a very important mineral for the production of red blood cells. These fruits also contain vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to aid in iron absorption effectively.

7. Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease:

A new study has reported that drinking santol juice regularly can keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay, thanks to the high antioxidants contained in this fruit. Antioxidants can fight the brain aging process.

8. Treatment of diarrhea and constipation:

Santol fruits contain fiber that can aid in the defecation process. Fibers can draw water out of our colon or absorb excess water from our stools, keeping stools soft in consistency. This makes the defecation process much easier.

9. Treatment of hemorrhoids:

Vitamin C present in santol helps in promoting healthy endothel in blood vessels. Fiber keeps stools soft in consistency. When stools are soft, we don’t need to strain the defecation process.

The constant strain during the defecation process is known to produce hematoid thrombosis. The increased pressure in the abdomen during the defecation process will cause blood to not be able to circulate normally around the lower abdomen, so thromboses will form.

10. Diabetics:

This fruit is good for diabetic people. Santol is rich in fiber and has a low glycemic index. Fiber slows down the digestion of food, reducing blood sugar absorption. This effect will regulate the blood sugar level. This is also good for controlling body weight.

11. Isopteran and insect repellent:

We can use santol tree bark extract to repel isopterans. But the killing effect is not quick, we need to apply the extract daily for a few days. Since it is a natural insecticide, it is eco-friendly, organic, has no unpleasant odors and contains no harmful chemicals.

12. Mosquito Repellent:

There was a study in the Philippines on how to convert santol stalks into mosquito repellent. The study was successful in noting its mosquito repellent ability.

The product has no side effects for humans and animals. Santol possesses the ability to successfully repel mosquito, thus reducing the number of malaria, dengue and mosquito diseases that frequently occur in tropical countries.

13. Bone health: 

The calcium and phosphorus present in the fruit maintains the density of bones and teeth, preventing osteoporosis and keeping tooth enamel strong.

14. Helps keep skin healthy: 

Vitamin C , which is also contained in santol , promotes collagen production. Collagen is one of the important compounds in connective tissues, including the skin.

15. Combats premature aging:

High collagen production makes the skin look youthful and tight. Vitamin C is also known as antioxidants along with carotenes and quercetin contained in the fruits. Routine consumption can cure small inflammations that make our skin wrinkle. Vitamin C also prevents scurvy.