Pomelo: useful properties and contraindications

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Pomelo is a large citrus fruit, considered the ancient ancestor of the grapefruit. It is grown in many eastern countries including China, Japan, Thailand, Fiji and Malaysia. In Chinese culture, pomelo is a sign of prosperity and good luck. This fruit is sweeter and milder in taste than grapefruit. It has a thick green rind with pink, white or yellow flesh.

Pomelo is a delicious citrus fruit that looks quite similar to a large grapefruit. The scientific name of this fruit is Citrus maxima due to its size, but the name can also be attributed to its he alth benefits, and some of the he alth benefits of pomelo are listed below

This fruit has an amazing amount of he alth benefits for humans. These impressive benefits of pomelo for the body include its ability to boost immunity, improve digestion, lower blood pressure, reduce spasms, prevent anemia, improve bone strength,reduce signs of premature aging, prevent cancer, protect heart he alth, aid in weight loss.

Cancer

Among the beneficial properties of pomelo fruit stands out the rich content of bioflavonoids that fight cancer cells. They basically stop their growth in organs such as the mammary gland, intestines and pancreas and remove excess estrogen present in the body. The antioxidant properties of the fruit can be explained by the presence of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid. In a study by University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia, scientists found that cellulose and pomelo peel contain antioxidants and, when added to the daily diet, can help the body fight various diseases, including cancer.

Cholesterol

One of the he alth benefits of the pomelo fruit is to lower cholesterol levels. Thus, it in the diet solves problems associated with the heart. Potassium, which is found in abundance in pomelo, plays an important role in maintaining a he althy organ. Due to the presence of pectin, pomelo juice helps in cleaning the accumulated vascular deposits in the body and helps people suffering from hypertension.

Immune system

Consumption of juice from one pomelo on a regular basis helps a person restore lost immunity. In addition, it also fights other serious diseases. One fruit provides 600% of vitamin C. In fruit, it acts as an antioxidant that increases white blood cell activity and prevents organ damage. It also helps prevent colds,cough, bacterial and viral infections.

Weight loss

In addition, these fruits are also useful for people who are trying to reduce their weight. The fruit is rich in fat-burning properties as it helps absorb and restore starch and sugar from the body. This ultimately leads to weight loss without any harmful side effects. The unusual enzyme carnitine pamitoyl transferase, which is a fat-burning substance, is present in this fruit. This enzyme helps in weight loss. Useful properties of pomelo and calorie content (only 40 kcal per 100 g) are indispensable for the problem of obesity.

Pregnancy

Because the pomelo is very rich in vitamin C, it helps fight the general fatigue experienced during pregnancy. It also reduces the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. The potassium content in pomelo helps in maintaining muscles and reduces the likelihood of cramps. These are very beneficial properties of pomelo for women.

Wound healing

In addition, the vitamin C present in pomelo helps to repair damaged skin faster. Hence, it is very beneficial for people who have undergone surgery. Pomelo restores the cellular structure of the epidermis to optimize UV protection. An enzyme found in pomelo strengthens the skin and initiates wound healing, helping the skin regenerate.

Teeth and gums

Pomelo is rich in collagen, which is involved in building strong teeth and gums. Besides,these are the best fruits to help reduce bad breath.

Intestines

The juicy pomelo fruit is also rich in dietary fiber, which helps maintain normal bowel movements. In addition, it also helps with problems associated with constipation. Pomelo is highly recommended to treat digestive problems.

Digestion

Pomelo juice is known to be sour in nature. This citrus and its juice in the diet promotes easy digestion. Thanks to dietary fiber, it helps with constipation and even diarrhea. Eating one fruit helps in getting 25% of the body's daily fiber intake. The dietary fiber in pomelo also helps break down complex proteins that are difficult for the body to digest.

Metabolic disorders

Pomelo extract can treat metabolic disorders caused by the consumption of foods high in fat. Metabolic syndrome is one of the main problems for people living in developed countries. Pomelo can help boost metabolism.

Diabetes

Pomelo peel extracts have been proven to improve glucose tolerance. In addition, it also improves insulin resistance primarily for people who follow a high-fat diet.

Blood pressure

Pomelo is a very good source of potassium and each fruit contains approximately 37% of the required daily value. Potassium is a vasodilator. This means that he takestension in the blood vessels and increases blood circulation and oxygenation in the organs. It also reduces the workload on the heart and reduces the chances of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. These are especially important he alth benefits of the pomelo fruit for men.

Prevention of seizures

Potassium is also important for fluid balance in the body, which is a key aspect of muscle cramps. Without the proper levels of potassium that pomelo can provide, you're more likely to experience cramps, strain your muscles, and tear your ligaments.

Better bone he alth

Potassium intake is linked to bone mineral density, as it helps facilitate the absorption of other important minerals for maintaining strong bones. Thus, pomelo can help prevent osteoporosis and general weakness throughout the body.

Anti-Aging & Skin He alth

The high levels of vitamin C in pomelo act as antioxidants that scavenge dangerous free radicals. One of the adverse effects caused by free radicals is the degradation of the skin, leading to signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots. A high vitamin C intake may prevent this.

It also contains spermidine, a rare chemical that is actually found in human semen, hence the name. It is also closely related to anti-aging properties!

Pomelo restores the cellular structure of the epidermis tooptimize UV protection. An enzyme found in pomelo strengthens the skin and initiates wound healing. Regular consumption of the fruit reduces the clustering of melanin granules, reducing brown spots and pigmentation. It also reduces the production of sebum in the epidermis and is able to remove acne. These are the benefits of pomelo fruit for women.

Urinary tract infection

Increasing pomelo consumption may help fight urinary tract disease: a painful bacterial infection in the urinary system. Vitamin C in the fruit increases the level of acid in the urine, inhibiting the development of bacteria in the urinary tract.

Other infections

Eating a serving of pomelo daily can prevent free radicals from attacking the body. It stimulates antibodies and immune cells to protect the body from bacteria that cause colds, flu, asthma and allergies.

Hair growth and he alth

Pomelo contains several hair-friendly nutrients such as vitamin A, C, B1 and zinc, which are essential for maintaining he althy hair. It contains minerals such as sulfur, iron, zinc and calcium which are essential for hair growth. Free radicals can damage hair follicles, making them weak, thin, and brittle. The antioxidants present in pomelo scavenge free radicals and minimize their action in the body. Regular consumption of the juice of this fruit improves blood circulation and strengthens hair capillaries. This contributes to the growth of strong and thick curls. Pomelo helps to cancel fatigueadrenal glands, which causes severe loss of strands in women. The adrenal glands are essential for maintaining proper hormonal balance and encouraging hair growth.

Dandruff fight

The high water content of pomelo keeps the scalp well hydrated. The vitamin C in the fruit fights bacteria and soothes the scalp to prevent dandruff.

Other diseases

Pomelo is very useful for people suffering from various he alth disorders such as insomnia, fever, fatigue and more. The fruit treats asthma, increases stamina and regulates blood pressure.

Essential oils

One of the main benefits of pomelo essential oil is that it helps reduce hair fall after just 1 week of use. The fruit contributes to the thickening of hair and maintaining their he alth. And also helps the growth of new strands, relieve stress, cheer up.

Harm

Having studied the benefits of pomelo and contraindications, you can use it for he alth, but there are some precautions to consider before you go in search of this fresh citrus fruit. Although it does not have serious side effects, you need to take into account the warnings when eating the fruit (its beneficial properties were given above) and the harm that can be done to he alth from the pomelo:

• People who are allergic to vitamin C should avoid eating the fruit. Always safeconsult your doctor when faced with any he alth problems.
• Excessive consumption of fruit leads to he alth complications such as constipation, kidney stones and more.
• The high levels of vitamin C and potassium in these fruits (these are both beneficial properties of the pomelo fruit and harm) can make it dangerous for patients with liver and kidney diseases.
• Also, patients with hypotension (low blood pressure) may be at risk as pomelo lowers blood pressure significantly.

How much can you eat?

The pomelo fruit has both beneficial properties and contraindications. A person taking medication should talk to their doctor before eating this fruit. It can block an intestinal enzyme that needs to absorb certain medications. Eating too much of these fruits can cause adverse effects if a person is taking certain types of prescription drugs. Sometimes even a small amount can cause damage. Some of the drugs that can cause side effects when combined with pomelo are benzones, statins, calcium antagonists, antiretrovirals or antidepressants.

Because pomelo is also high in calories, eating too much can lead to weight gain. 1.5-2 cups of this fruit may be optimal in a normal diet. Since pomelo is rich in fiber, large amounts of this fruit can cause diarrhea, gas problems, and stomach cramps.

Using a broomstick

Pomelo fruits can be eaten raw. Cut the fruit horizontally into two halves and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Pomelo is an excellent addition to salads, desserts and sorbents. The peel of the pomelo is suitable for making marmalade.

Pomelo juice is a very popular drink in China and America. When choosing a juice, you can combine this fruit and other citrus fruits to improve its taste. Pomelo juice is used in southern Chinese cuisine for flavored soups and desserts.

Pomelo is also used in jams, jellies and syrups.