The Top 10 Health Benefits of Pomelo Fruit

The pomelo fruit, also known as the shaddock, isn’t native to the United States like many other common citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, but it’s still grown in Florida year-round and shipped around the country. The health benefits of pomelo fruit are plentiful, ranging from lowering cholesterol to strengthening your immune system to protecting your brain from strokes. Here are some of the top 10 health benefits of pomelo fruit.

 

1) Rich in Vitamin C

Lemons and limes are great sources of vitamin C, but these citrus fruits can’t hold a candle to pomelos. A single pomelo contains over 50% of your daily recommended value for vitamin C, which helps boost immune function and keep your heart healthy. Vitamin C is also involved in breaking down folic acid and aiding in blood clotting. Without enough vitamin C, scurvy (which results from bleeding gums) can occur. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults is 75-90 mg per day. To ensure you’re getting enough in your diet—especially if you choose to follow a vitamin-deficient diet—consider upping your intake by snacking on some pomelos!

 

2) Lowers Cholesterol

Consuming pomelo may also be good for your heart, especially if you’re trying to control cholesterol levels. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, which has been linked to lowering bad LDL cholesterol. More specifically, a study conducted at Cardiff University in Wales found that people who ate 500 mg of vitamin C a day were able to lower their bad cholesterol by an average of 9%. Researchers concluded that increasing vitamin C intake could help reduce risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

 

3) Fights Cancer

Cancer is a scary word, but it doesn’t have to be. One cup of pomelo fruit contains about half your daily recommended intake for vitamin C, which can help fight against cancerous cells. Vitamin C also plays an important role in building collagen, keeping your skin looking youthful and fresh. Studies have also shown that citrus fruits like pomelo may help prevent certain types of breast cancer from developing. With one cup containing nearly 100 percent of your daily value for vitamin A, you’ll keep free radicals at bay while boosting eye health and immune function. As an added bonus, pomelo helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure as well!

 

4) Prevents Type 2 Diabetes       

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise in developing countries, such as India. And a new study suggests that consumption of pomelo fruit—commonly known as citrus fruit or shaddock—may help reduce your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. The good news: It’s super simple to include pomelos in your diet; they are sold everywhere from local produce markets to upscale supermarkets.

 

5) Supports Digestive System

The vitamin C and fiber content in pomelo fruit both helps with digestion. The high level of fiber in pomelo helps to prevent constipation. People who are suffering from irregular bowel movements can increase their intake of dietary fiber to boost regularity, especially when paired with high-fiber foods like pomelos. Fiber also absorbs water and bulks up stools, which also promotes easier elimination. Fiber can be found in all plant foods, including fruits like pomelos.

 

6) Aids Weight Loss

A regular diet rich in pomelo fruit can help you lose weight by increasing your metabolism and improving digestive health. There are many ways to incorporate pomelo into your weight loss diet, including juicing and smoothies. If you’re looking for a healthy snack, try munching on one segment or adding it to a salad; either way, it will not only taste great but will give you an energy boost as well. One cup of pomelo contains just under 100 calories; with such few calories and plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, why wouldn’t you want to add more pomelo to your diet?

 

7) Prevents Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common ailment in adults. It happens when your heart muscle is not able to pump enough blood through your body efficiently. It may be caused by stress, diet and lifestyle factors like consuming too much salt or sugar, smoking cigarettes or being overweight. If you suffer from hypertension, eating pomelo fruit may help lower your blood pressure levels. A 2010 study published in Journal of Hypertension noted that drinking three glasses of a beverage made with pomelo juice was able to significantly reduce blood pressure in participants after five weeks of consumption. To add more pomelos to your diet naturally, incorporate them into salad or juice recipes.

 

8) Controls Blood Sugar Levels

A University of Florida study found that mice who ate pomelos experienced lower blood sugar levels and reduced insulin resistance than those that did not. Additionally, a 2008 study from Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul, South Korea, discovered that extracts from pomelos are even more effective at lowering blood sugar than common medications for type 2 diabetes.

 

9) Aids Gout Sufferers

Researchers have found that consuming pomelo fruit may help reduce symptoms associated with gout. Gout is a painful condition caused by high levels of uric acid in one’s blood, which can lead to an attack if it isn’t effectively treated. Consuming pomelo fruit has been found to aid people who suffer from gout due to its alkaline properties, which contribute to reducing uric acid levels and easing pain.

 

10) Decreases the Risk of Stroke

This powerful fruit is packed with high levels of vitamin C, and research shows that vitamin C can significantly reduce your stroke risk. In one large-scale study published in Stroke, those who consumed more than 100 milligrams per day (the equivalent of about five servings) had a 40 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who consumed less than that amount. Research shows that pomelo fruit can also help prevent cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing arteries). This may be due to its high levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, folic acid and vitamin A. Although these nutrients may not seem directly related to stroke prevention or cardiovascular health, they’re all important for reducing oxidative stress and lowering blood pressure.