An orange-yellow bright-looking fruit might be appealing and raise our interest in its taste. The perfect example of this is the egg fruit (no, it is not an egg that is combined with fruits). Egg fruit goes with other names, as such: canitstel, chesa fruit, tiesa and Pouteria campechiana.
The fruit dates back to 800 BC, where the Mayans and Aztecs enjoyed it as a delicacy. That explains why the fruit is commonly found in Central America.
This exotic fruit is not just tempting for the eyes, but apparently it has serious health credentials that you would not want to miss. Here are the health benefits of egg fruit:
1. Rich in Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A
You can instantly tell by the bright orange color of the fruit that it has abundant amount of beta-carotene, which is a natural food dye. There is approximately 30 mg of beta-carotene in 100 gram of egg fruit. Other than giving vibrant pigment to the fruit, beta-carotene has actual health implications.
Beta-carotene or carotenoids are converted into vitamin A in the body, and this micronutrient conversion is important as a nutrient for the eyes and the hair. In the eyes, vitamin A contributes to the effect of having a clearer vision at night, as well as preventing degenerative diseases happening to your eye, such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), both which might result in blindness.
It is also believed to be beneficial for the treatment of dry eyes. For the hair, it is a natural hair care that gives more shine and volume.
2. Strengthen Muscles
There are many health benefits of egg fruit. Egg fruit is believed to contain generous amount of minerals. Eating a moderate amount of this sweetened egg yolk-like fruit is thought to fulfill your iron needs. Iron is necessary for the flow oxygen in our blood and is vital for cellular function.
Iron is essential for muscle electricity and tone, lack or reduced iron in our body may lead to low strength and stamina. Therefore, consuming egg fruit may help in enhancing your energy levels. Thus, you may also taste and get the Health Benefits of A Fruit Salad
3. Improve Cognition and Gain Brain Health
The beneficial effect of iron that is high in amount in egg fruits also improves oxygen supply to the brain. This results in better performance of the brain in terms of cognitive activity and reducing the risk of experiencing degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
4. Bountiful in Antioxidants
Egg fruit carries rich amount of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols. The health benefit that comes from antioxidants is thought to be vital in preventing chronic and fatal diseases such as cancer, heart disease, obesity, and metabolic diseases. Thus, you may also taste and get the Health Benefits of Mosambi (Sweet Lime Fruit).
5. Reduce the Risk of Hypertension
One other micronutrient that is found plentiful in an egg fruit is niacin (also known as Vitamin B3). This vitamin is vital in carrying out biochemical body function such as converting carbohydrates to energy.
Moreover, it is proven to aid in reducing LDL levels (AKA the bad cholestrols), promoting the increase of HDL (the good cholestrols) and widen blood vessels. Therefore, niacin contributes to preventing diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension (high blood pressure).Â
6. Lower the Risk of Diabetes
As previously mentioned, egg fruit has rich content of niacin. This substance is also found to play a role in controling blood sugar levels, as it facilitates their conversion into energy. Thus, you may also taste and get the 17 Research-Based Health Benefits of Almonds for Diabetes
In animal studies, it is found to be potent in preventing diabetes and enhancing the effect of oral anti-diabetic drugs in people undergoing diabetes treatment.
7. Improve Health of Joints and Cartilage
The high levels of niacin in canistels have also been observed to increase joints flexibility and improve their function in movement. Furthermore, it is also thought to play a role in the regeneration of the cartilage.
Some scientists have tested out the effect of treatment with niacin on people with inflammation of the joints (all forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) and the study revealed that joint inflammation and mobility is reduced after 12 weeks of niacin treatment. Other minerals found in egg fruits including calcium and phosphorus contribute in relieving joint inflammation.Â
8. Immune System Booster
Another beneficial micronutrient found in egg fruit is vitamin C or ascorbic acid, which weighs around 60-100 milligrams. This chemical substance is considered a natural choice of therapy for common cold and flu. Research on this has shown that vitamin C contributes to shortening the duration of colds and significantly delay complications such as pneumonia and lung infections. Thus, you may also taste and get the Health Benefits of Yacon Fruit
9. Relieve Constipation
Egg fruits are filled with loaded amounts of dietary fibers, therefore consumption of these fruits is suitable for the health of your digestive tract. It supports the regular movement of bowels by softening the stools, therefore making it easier for their removal from the intestinal tract.
This may prove helpful as a natural laxative, especially digestive disorders such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
10. A Natural Anti-Microbial
Among other nutrients that is found in an egg fruit are important amino acids such as lysine, tryptophan, methionine and other antioxidants such as flavanoids. Thus, you may also taste and get the Health Benefits of Mahogany Fruit
All these mentioned substances possess anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. When the fruit is consumed on a regular basis, it is proven to help clearing bacterial and fungal infections in the body. Thus, that’s why there are many health benefits of egg fruit that you can taste any day.
In case you have not had the opportunity to test your taste on the fruit, then you will be in for a surprise. The taste is claimed to be somewhat musky, similar to egg yolk but with a sweeter hint. The consistency of the fruit is dry and chalky.
Probably the only downside to eating too much egg fruit is developing a condition called beta-carotenemia. It is characterized by yellow pigmentation of the skin and raised levels of beta-carotene in the blood.
Other than the fact that it will make you look like a giant walking egg fruit, it is generally harmless and resolves spontaneously once you stop consuming beta-carotene rich food such as the egg fruit, carrots and sweet potatoes.