Citrus maxima (or Citrus
grandis), (Common names: shaddock, pomelo, pummelo, pommelo,
or lusho fruit) is a crisp citrusfruit native to South and
Southeast Asia. It is usually pale green to yellow when ripe, with sweet white
(or, more rarely, pink or red) flesh and very thick albedo (rind pith). It is
the largest citrus fruit, 15–25 centimetres (5.9–9.8 in) in diameter, and
usually weighing 1–2 kilograms. In Indonesia, known as the Bali Lemon, and the
fruit is widely grown in Bali.
The delicious pomelo or
Bali Lemon can enhance a healthy diet. Here are ten reasons why.
1. Taste
Sweet with just a hint of
grapefruit-like tang, pomelos are refreshing first thing in the morning or cold
from the refrigerator, as a fortifying snack. Its juice can be a tasty addition
to sauces, salads, salsas and marinades. The curious mixture of melon-like
sweetness with citrus tang makes pomelo juice a welcome addition to many
recipes - add a skinless, seedless wedge to flavor your favorite ice tea.
2. Low Calorie and Low Fat
Pomelos have 0% fat and 72
calories per cup/190 grams - a dieter's delight! Most everyone has heard of the
Grapefruit Diet, which become popular in Hollywood in the 1930s, and saw
another resurgence in the 1970s. Both grapefruit and pomelo contain a fat
burning enzyme, which theoretically increases the dieter's success. This fad
diet, promoted extremely low calorie intake, and eating grapefruit before every
meal.
3. Fiber
While due to its low
calorie intake, the Grapefruit Diet is unhealthy, the principle
behind eating grapefruits is a sound one. Pomelos, like grapefruits have a
fiber content of 8% daily value or DV. The Food and Drug Administration
describes DV as percentage of the recommended daily intake for nutrients for adults
and children ages 4 and up. Eating such low calorie fiber creates a full
feeling in your stomach and you eat less. Eating fiber also keeps your bowels
healthy and prevents colon cancer.
4. Vitamin C
Citrus fruit burgeon with
vitamin C, and the pomelo is no exception. Pomelo provides 193% DV of Vitamin
C. Recent studies have shown Vitamin C strengthens your immune system when it
weakens due to stress. And although Vitamin C can not cure the common cold, it
can prevent you from developing additional cold complications such as lung
infections or pneumonia. Persons with a higher concentration of vitamin C in
their blood have a 42% lower risk of developing a stroke. Vitamin C has been
shown to aid in macular degeneration, inflamation, cancer and cardiovascular
deterioration.
5. Heart Health
Pomelos have 410 mg of
potassium per serving, which like Vitamin C plays a role in supporting the
heart. There is no DV for potassium but 4700 mg per day is considered adequate.
This essential mineral regulates blood pressure levels. Abundant with pectin,
pomelo juice is capable of clearing the arterial deposits accumulated in the
body, thereby reducing the impurities and benefitting people with hypertension.
People on blood thinning, kidney and other medications need to use caution when
eating potassium rich foods like pomelos, as it can have a negative impact and
serous health complications.
6. Cancer Fighter
The Chinese use the pomelo
rind in many dishes. The skin of the fruit is very rich in bioflavonoids. This
property is helpful in reducing pancreatic, intestinal and breast cancer. In
fact, it stops cancerous cells from spreading further. Pomelo rind contains
rich bioflavonoids that help in fighting against cancer cells. It
prevents the spread of breast cancer cells especially by enabling the body to
eliminate excess estrogen.
7. Antioxidents
Most notable, pomelos are
loaded with antioxidants that are believed to help slow down the aging process
and protect against some diseases - including heart disease and cancer - as
they help rid the body of free radicals.
8. Anti-aging
Grapefruits and likely
pomelos are the only known fruits containing spermadine, which is also found in
human sperm. A laboratory-based study found spermidine to protect cells from
processes related to aging and cell damage. In the study spermadine increased
the lifespan of flies, blood cells, yeast and worms. Spermadine introduced to
the blood cells of white mice protected them from particular types of cell
damage, but their lifespans were not reported. (See the link below for more
information on this study.)
9. Medicine
When chewed slowly, the
pomelo is said to cure hangovers. In Malasia and Filipines, a lotion made from
the pomelo plants leaves is used to alleviate sores and swellings. The
Filipinos also use it as a sedative for nerves. The Chinese use the entire
plant to make medications that cure coughs, car sickness and indigestion. A
paste of pomelo rind and ginger can be applied to joints to ease arthritic
pain.1
10. Availability and
Storage
Pomelos are available at
most Asian or Latin American markets throughout the year. Choose firm, heavy
fruits. Blemishes on the skin are okay. Soft, dull-skinned pomelos that leave
an imprint when squeezed or those that appear dried-out on the stem should be
avoided.Pomelos keep for a week in the refrigerator, or for a few days left at
room temperature. Freeze their juice in ice cube trays to keep for longer
periods and to add a citrus zest to recipes.
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