Rambutan, a popular fruit in the summer, is favored by many Vietnamese people. This fruit has a bell-like shape and contains many nutrients.
According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, every 100g of rambutan contains 93g of water, 0.6g of protein, 29mg of calcium, 0.07mg of iron, 5mg of magnesium, 8mg of phosphorus, 123mg of potassium, 0.06mg of zinc, 22.3mg of vitamin C, 0.8mg of vitamin B3, and 17mg of vitamin A. Rambutan has a sweet, sour, and refreshing taste, which is suitable for those who want to lose weight due to its low calorie and low saturated fat content.
In addition, rambutan has the following amazing health benefits:
Supports blood sugar control
Rambutan can support blood sugar regulation by enhancing the activity of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, including glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, hexokinase, and glucose-6-phosphatase. Furthermore, jambosine, an alkaloid found in rambutan, has been discovered by researchers to have the ability to inhibit the conversion of starch into sugar in the body. Thanks to this mechanism, rambutan becomes a good choice for people with diabetes.
Not only the flesh, but rambutan seeds are also used as a method of diabetes treatment. The method is to grind the seeds into dry powder, then mix it into daily food and drinks.
Good for digestion
Several studies have shown that rambutan is a rich source of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for regulating food movement in the digestive tract. As a result, rambutan helps improve the absorption of essential nutrients and positively influences their transportation through the digestive tract. Rambutan also has the effect of preventing and minimizing symptoms of constipation, dysentery, diarrhea, and related health issues.
Cardiovascular protection
The fiber in rambutan is not only a factor in improving digestive health but also provides benefits for the cardiovascular system. Fiber helps lower LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, thereby preventing the accumulation of excess fat – one of the key causes of cardiovascular diseases.
Regular consumption of rambutan also supports the reduction of inflammation and the prevention of the formation of arterial plaques, minimizing the risk of developing serious cardiovascular complications such as stroke, heart disease, and heart attacks.
Enhances immune system
Rambutan is not only a delicious fruit but also a plentiful source of vitamin C, playing a crucial role in boosting the immune system. The abundance of vitamin C in rambutan helps the body defend against disease-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses, thereby reducing the risk of common illnesses like cold and fever.
Cancer prevention
Rambutan is not only a storehouse of vitamin A and C but also contains many beneficial protective compounds, providing the body with a shield against different types of cancer. Scientific research has shown that rambutan possesses compounds capable of eliminating free radicals, thereby effectively reducing the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer development.
Supports strong bones and teeth
With every 100 grams, rambutan provides 29 milligrams of calcium, an essential element for bone development and overall health maintenance. This calcium contributes to the health of teeth. Moreover, rambutan also contains rich amounts of magnesium and potassium, which play significant roles in strengthening bone health. Therefore, supplementing rambutan into daily diets not only helps keep your bones strong but also supports the prevention of bone and joint-related diseases like arthritis.
Supports a healthy bladder
Health experts recommend that those with bladder infection issues actively consume rambutan in their daily diet. This fruit contains chemical compounds with the ability to eliminate toxins and act as a natural diuretic, helping stimulate the urination process and support the treatment of bladder-related conditions. Additionally, adding rambutan to the diet not only helps detoxify the body but also supports the prevention of kidney stones, while providing benefits for both the liver and kidneys.
3 things to remember for safe rambutan consumption
Rambutan is a fruit with many health benefits, but to ensure its safe use, pay attention to the following points:
Avoid eating rambutan on an empty stomach
Although the vitamin C in rambutan is very beneficial, eating it on an empty stomach can be harmful to the stomach due to the acidic nature of vitamin C. This can stimulate excessive digestive fluid secretion and cause damage to the stomach lining, leading to conditions like gastritis or gastric ulcers, which can be very dangerous.
Limit the amount of rambutan consumed
Rambutan brings many benefits when eaten properly and in moderate amounts. Consuming it excessively can cause unwanted reactions such as bloating, indigestion, dizziness, nausea, and low blood pressure. Excessive consumption of fiber in rambutan can burden the stomach and cause indigestion or flatulence.
Avoid combining rambutan with shrimp and cucumbers
Shrimp and cucumbers should not be eaten together with rambutan due to the potential reaction and mutual neutralization of the chemical compounds in them. This not only reduces the nutritional value of rambutan but can also create chemical reactions that produce toxins, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and indigestion. To be safe, avoid eating these foods together.
