The pomelo fruit, also known as Citrus maxima or Citrus grandis, belongs to the Rutaceae family which includes other citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. It is the biggest of all citrus fruits. Pomelos are originally from Southeast Asia.
Pomelos are a large fruit with a thick, spongy rind ranging from green to yellow. The sweet and tangy flesh varies in colour from pale yellow to pink or red. It tastes similar to grapefruit but milder and sweeter, with some varieties having slightly sour or bitter notes.
Pomelo fruit benefits due to its nutrient-rich composition. It’s packed with vitamin C for a robust immune system and healthy skin. Its high fibre content aids digestion and supports heart health by lowering cholesterol.
Pomelo is a low-calorie fruit that is rich in vitamin C, potassium, fibre, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any diet. You can enjoy it fresh on its own or add it to fruit salads. It’s also used in culinary dishes, juices, jams, and desserts.
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Nutritional Value Pomelo Fruit
Pomelo fruit is nutrient-dense, low in calories, high in fibre, and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Here’s the approximate nutritional value of pomelo fruit per 100 grams:
- Calories: 38 kcal
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 6.23 g
- Water: 90%
Vitamins:
- Vitamin C: 61.0 mg
- Vitamin B1: 0.034 mg
- Vitamin B2: 0.027 mg
- Vitamin B3: 0.22 mg
Minerals:
- Potassium: 216 mg
- Calcium: 4 mg
- Magnesium: 6 mg
- Phosphorus: 16 mg
The Secret to a Healthy Lifestyle: Unraveling the Pomelo Fruit Benefits
Pomelo fruit offers various health benefits such as boosting the immune system, aiding digestion, and promoting healthy skin. It is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fibre which helps in maintaining a healthy heart and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Here are some of the pomelo fruit benefits:
Good for Heart Health:
Pomelo is a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate potassium intake is associated with a lower risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Pomelo is naturally low in sodium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. High sodium intake is linked to hypertension and other heart-related conditions.
Pomelo is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are linked to heart disease and other chronic conditions. Consuming pomelo fruit benefits in improving heart health.
Help in Weight Loss:
Pomelo is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable choice for those looking to manage their weight. Making it a satisfying snack option without contributing excessive calories.
Pomelo has a high water content, which can help keep you hydrated and feeling full. Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so staying well-hydrated with water-rich foods like pomelo fruit benefits prevent overeating.
Despite being low in calories, pomelo is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This means you can enjoy a nutrient-packed snack or addition to meals without consuming excess calories, supporting overall health while on a weight loss journey.
Improve Skin Health:
Pomelo is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is crucial in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Pomelo contains various antioxidants, including flavonoids and beta-carotene, which help neutralize free radicals that can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing. Antioxidants protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution, contributing to a healthier complexion.
The natural acids present in pomelo, such as citric acid, can help gently exfoliate the skin, promoting a brighter and more even complexion. Regular exfoliation can remove dead skin cells and impurities, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. Pomelo fruit benefits in enhancing your skin health.
Boost Immune System:
Pomelo is an excellent source of vitamin C, with just one serving providing a significant portion of your daily requirement. Vitamin C is very important for a healthy immune system. Eating pomelo fruit benefits the production and function of white blood cells, which fight off infections.
In addition to vitamin C, pomelo contains other antioxidants, such as flavonoids and beta-carotene, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. By neutralizing harmful free radicals, antioxidants support overall immune function and help prevent chronic diseases.
Pomelo contains various nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, which play important roles in supporting overall health and immune function. These nutrients help regulate bodily processes and contribute to the proper functioning of immune cells.
Relax Muscle Cramps:
Pomelo contains potassium, an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in muscle function. Potassium helps regulate muscle contractions and ensures proper nerve signalling. Adequate potassium intake may help prevent muscle cramps, especially those caused by electrolyte imbalances.
Pomelo has a high water content, which helps keep the body hydrated. Dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps, so staying well-hydrated by consuming hydrating foods like pomelo fruit benefits prevent cramping.
Along with potassium, pomelo provides other electrolytes like magnesium and calcium, which are necessary for proper muscle function. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle cramps, so consuming foods rich in these minerals may help maintain electrolyte balance and prevent cramping.
Strengthen Your Bones:
Pomelo is a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that forms the structural framework of bones. Collagen provides strength and flexibility to bones, helping to prevent fractures and maintain bone density.
Some amount of calcium found in pomelo fruit benefits contribute to overall bone health as part of a balanced diet. Adequate calcium intake is crucial for developing and maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Pomelo contains potassium, which helps neutralize acids in the body that can leach calcium from bones. By maintaining proper acid-base balance, potassium of pomelo fruit benefits preserves bone density and reduces the risk of bone loss.
Improve Gut Health:
Pomelo is rich in dietary fibre, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Consuming fibre in your diet can help add bulk to your stool, which in turn, can promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. It also acts as a prebiotic, providing fuel for beneficial gut bacteria and promoting their growth and activity.
Pomelo contains antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation in the gut. Chronic inflammation can disrupt digestive function and contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The anti-inflammatory properties of pomelo fruit benefits alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.
Enzymes found in pomelo fruit benefits in digestion, such as bromelain and amylase. These enzymes help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making nutrients more readily available for absorption in the gut.
Enhance Eye Health:
Pomelo is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the eyes. Vitamin C helps protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to the development of age-related eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Pomelo contains various antioxidants, including flavonoids and beta-carotene, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the eyes. These antioxidants protect the delicate structures of the eyes from damage and help maintain optimal vision. Pomelo fruit benefits are incredible for eye health.
Pomelo contains bioactive compounds such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids that accumulate in the retina and help protect against harmful blue light. These compounds of pomelo benefits in reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions.
Prevent from Cancer:
Pomelo contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and beta-carotene, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Chronic oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with an increased risk of cancer development, so consuming antioxidant-rich foods like pomelo fruit benefits lowers this risk.
Pomelo contains bioactive compounds such as limonoids and naringin, which have anti-cancer effects. Limonoids inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (cell death) in various types of cancer.
Pomelo is rich in dietary fibre, which plays a role in digestive health and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. Fibre of pomelo fruit benefits promotes regular bowel movements and can help remove toxins and carcinogens from the digestive tract.
Cure Anemia:
Pomelo is rich in vitamin C, which can help enhance the absorption of non-heme iron found in plant-based foods like leafy greens, beans, and lentils. Consuming pomelo along with iron-rich foods can improve the body’s ability to absorb and utilize iron, which is crucial for red blood cell production.
While pomelo is not a significant source of folate, it does contain small amounts of this B vitamin. Folate is essential for red blood cell formation and can help prevent certain types of anaemia, such as megaloblastic anaemia, which is caused by folate deficiency.
The high water content in pomelo fruit benefits and maintains hydration levels in the body. Proper hydration is important for overall health and can support the production of healthy red blood cells.
Final Words
Pomelo fruit, Citrus maxima or Citrus grandis, is the largest citrus fruit known for its thick, spongy rind and large size. The flesh ranges from pale yellow to pink or red, with a sweet and tangy flavour reminiscent of grapefruit but milder.
Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, pomelo fruit benefits such as immune support and heart health. It’s enjoyed fresh, added to salads, or used in culinary dishes and desserts. In some cultures, pomelo symbolizes good fortune and prosperity.
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