Rambutan: health benefits and harms

Rambutan is a tropical plant with unusual fruits, which in appearance look a bit like chestnuts, but differ in size. The fruits of this tree are a rarity and exotic delicacy outside the regions where the plant is cultivated. The reason for this is the impossibility of long-term storage of fruits. But this fruit is incredibly healthy and even used in alternative medicine to treat many diseases.

What is rambutan

Rambutan is a popular fruit in Southeast Asia that grows on evergreen trees with sprawling, large crowns. The fruits of the plant have not been consumed for a long time, but as soon as the inhabitants of the tropics discovered its unsurpassed taste, it became one of the popular delicacies on the Asians tables.

How it looks and where it grows

Rambutan is a plant that is part of the Sapinda family and belongs to the genus Nefelium. The plant is an evergreen tree, the height of which ranges from 12 to 25 m. As a rule, these are tall trees with a voluminous crown. The leaves are large, paramorous, saturated green with pronounced veins. Rambutan is distinguished by its beautiful flowering - the whole tree is covered with small flowers collected in large inflorescences.

After the flowering stage is completed, large clusters of fruits form on the trees. On each cluster can fit up to 25-30 fruits of a rounded shape. The fruits look unusual - they are covered with a skin on which there are small fibrous processes. This makes them look a bit like chestnuts. But the difference is that the fruits of rambutan are covered with soft, fibrous processes that resemble hair, not spines.

The greatest value in this plant is precisely the fruits. They are suitable for human consumption and are distinguished by high palatability. The fruits of rambutan from 3 to 6 cm in diameter under a thick skin hide a juicy, gel-like pulp, in the center of which there is a small almond-shaped bone. First, the skin of rambutan is painted in a light green hue, but as it ripens, it acquires a reddish, burgundy color.

Using

In Indonesia, Thailand, and other Asian countries, rambutan is used as a food product. Sweet fruit is served fresh in many eating establishments, and in some tourist regions it is one of the most popular products. Therefore, most often the fruits of the plant are used in cooking. But, besides this, the fruits and other parts of the plant are used in other areas.

Today, rambutan is well studied by science, which has made it in demand in the cosmetics industry. Fruits, seeds, oil, as well as an extract from leaves and roots are actively used to create cosmetic care products. Rambutan oil is used in the elite line of products for body skin care, as well as for hair removal.

In addition, rambutan is used by some manufacturers of dietary supplements as a herbal therapeutic component. In traditional medicine, rambutan is not used due to an insufficient number of studies regarding the effect. There is also no data on the topic of potential harm and benefits of treatment with drugs created on the basis of extracts and plant extract.

Composition and calorie content

The fruits of rambutan consist of 77% of water, due to which the pulp is quite juicy.100 g of product contains from 80 to 88 kcal, depending on the degree of maturity. The ripe the product, the more carbohydrates in it - sugar. But the pulp contains many active components, the presence of which determines the beneficial properties of the fetus.

• Pulp vitamins: C, A, PP, B1, B2, B6, E, K.
• Macro and microelements: potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium.
• A nicotinic acid.
• Antioxidants.
• Fatty, organic and fruit acids.

Due to such a rich composition, the fruits of rambutan benefit health and significantly help with various diseases. Therefore, the plant can be used as an effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent.

Useful properties of rambutan fruit

General benefit

Rambutan is considered one of the important products for health and longevity. It has a wide range of useful properties, due to which it is highly appreciated in traditional and alternative medicine. Currently known medicinal properties of the plant, which are actively used in traditional medicine:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antibacterial;
• antitumor;
• laxative;
• antioxidant.

Regular consumption of rambutan in food leads to a significant slowdown in the aging process. Due to the high content of organic acids, the fruits of this plant contribute to the rapid elimination of cholesterol from the body. The active components thin the blood, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, thereby improving blood circulation to tissues and organs. Due to the presence of antioxidants and a number of mineral compounds, rambutan has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the brain and nervous system as a whole. These substances lead to improved memory, protect neurons from damage, accelerate recovery under severe stress and mental stress.

The beneficial properties of rambutan can be used in the treatment of various diseases, and due to the content of active components in high concentrations, they act differently on the male and female body.

For women

Rambutan is good for women's health and beauty. Women of Thailand have been using the power of this fetus for more than a century to prolong youth, provide nutrition to hair and skin. It also helps prevent the development of hormone-dependent tumors. The use of this product in the diet significantly reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, the appearance of cysts and benign formations in the organs of the reproductive system.

Due to the high content of minerals and fatty acids, the pulp of this fruit has a beneficial effect on the hormonal background. If you eat 100-200 g of fetal pulp at least once a week, you can avoid hormonal imbalance, prevent menstrual disorders, and generally improve well-being and increase the body's resistance to various kinds of irritants and aggressive external environment.

For men

No less useful is eating the rambutan fruit for men. They have an equally significant effect on the health of the stronger sex. Here's the benefit of rambutan for men:

1. The risk of inflammation in the organs of the urinary and reproductive system is eliminated.
2. The level of stress is reduced.
3. The processes of aging of the internal organs are slowed down.
4. The blood is cleansed.
5. Protected from the development of malignant and benign tumors of tissue and organ cells.

Regular consumption of rambutan can increase libido, inhibit the development of erectile dysfunction and protect the prostate gland from inflammation. The main thing is to properly dose this product in the diet, since an excess amount can lead to undesirable consequences for the body.

During pregnancy

There are no strict restrictions on the use of rambutan during pregnancy. However, before introducing this product into the diet, you should consult a doctor. Especially critical is the use in the diet of unfamiliar exotic foods in the third trimester of pregnancy, since the reaction of the body is unknown.But still this fruit is not only allowed to pregnant women, it is also very useful. Here are the main benefits of eating rambutan:

• complete replenishment of the deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
• protection of bones from thinning and loss of calcium;
• blood stabilization;
• prevention of anemia;
• strengthening immunity;
• normalization of the hormonal background;
• nervous system support;
• skin protection from stretch marks, rashes on the skin and acne.

The only important warning is that you should not abuse this fetus, especially if it was rarely used before pregnancy. The problem is that rambutan raises blood sugar and can also trigger an increase in blood pressure. These two side effects are extremely undesirable during pregnancy.

When breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, pediatricians do not recommend consuming rambutan, as this can adversely affect the health and well-being of the child. The fact is that the body of a child under 1–1.5 years old is in the stage of active development and formation. Any extra burden on the digestive system can provoke indigestion, pain and cramping, increased gas formation.

Also, doctors do not recommend introducing exotic fruits into the diet of a nursing mother because of the high risk of allergic reactions. For babies, even a small amount of allergen can cause serious conditions, including anaphylactic shock and Quincke's edema. Therefore, it’s not worth the risk.

But in the old days, and also today in the regions where rambutan grows, its fruits were used for women during breastfeeding and were considered one of the most important components of the diet. Rambutan stimulates lactation and promotes rapid postpartum recovery. Due to the high concentration of minerals, it strengthens the nervous system, helps to recover from overwork and increases resistance to stress.

For kids

Pediatricians in the CIS countries do not give unambiguous recommendations regarding the use of such an exotic product as rambutan in the children's diet. This is not surprising, because in such local latitudes such a product is a rarity. Nevertheless, it is not so difficult to purchase rambutan, therefore, before giving your child a taste of exotic fruit, you should still consult your doctor. Contraindications for children are the same as for adults - individual intolerance, as well as severe gastrointestinal tract diseases in the acute stage.

A very important nuance - it is strictly forbidden to introduce rambutan in the diet of a child under the age of three. At this stage, the baby’s digestive system is not yet fully formed, therefore, the use of an unusual product can provoke severe diarrhea and even general intoxication of the body. In rare cases, an allergic reaction is possible, and quite strong, because the fetus contains a large number of active natural components in high concentration.

When losing weight

Losing weight with rambutan will not work, since it is quite high-calorie. But you can use it as one of the acceptable foods in the diet. Fruits are an excellent substitute for sweets, but not only this makes rambutan a valuable component of the diet of a losing weight person. Here are the main benefits of this fruit:

• activates metabolic processes;
• promotes fat burning;
• restores water-salt balance;
• reduces hunger;
• improves skin condition.

With strict diets, be sure to include rambutan in your diet, as it compensates for the deficiency of minerals and vitamins. This product is preferably consumed in the morning, as it is rich in carbohydrates.

The use of rambutan fruit in medicine

In traditional medicine, rambutan is practically not used, but Asian folk healers have been using it for a long time and still consider this plant a panacea for all diseases. In alternative medicine, not only fruits are used, but also other parts of the plant.Below are described the most popular recipes for medicinal products based on this plant.

1. To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to use fresh juice from the pulp of fruits, 150 ml each morning, 10-15 minutes before a meal.
2. It is also better to use fruits for the prevention and treatment of cancer. They must be consumed daily at 200-250 g for 2 weeks during the season. Rambutan should not be eaten longer, as there is a risk of digestive upsets.
3. As a general strengthening agent, an infusion of rambutan leaves is used. It is necessary to grind dry leaves, brew 200 ml of boiling water 1 teaspoon of raw materials. Insist under the lid for 5-7 minutes and drink during the day for 3 doses. Repeat for 5-7 days.
4. Rambutan leaves can be used to make a decoction. You need to boil 1 tablespoon of raw materials in 400 ml of water in a steam bath, and then insist until completely cooled. Strain and store the drink in the refrigerator, take 50 ml 3-4 times a day before meals for a week.
5. Rambutan pulp puree can be used as a laxative for constipation. For this, it is necessary to prepare a portion of medical puree immediately before taking.
6. For diseases of the throat, it is recommended to use the pulp of the fetus with honey, in a ratio of 1: 1. If a cough is present along with a sore throat, add a pinch of ground dry ginger to the remedy or 1 teaspoon of freshly ground grater. Take this remedy 4-5 times a day for 1 teaspoon.
7. For diseases of the genitourinary system, it is recommended to take the pulp of the fetus in a processed form, that is, in boiled or baked. The fact is that the acids that the fruit contains can only increase inflammation. To increase the body's resistance in acute inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system, 100-150 g of mashed fruit from the fetus can be eaten daily.

Cold infusion of rambutan leaves can be used as a means to restore strength, a powerful tonic. You can take tea with the addition of rambutan to improve lactation.

Application in cosmetology

Also, the pulp of the fetus can be used in skin and hair care. The simplest mask recipes are described below.

1. The pulp of one fruit, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, a pinch of cinnamon - all mixed and applied to problem and prone to inflammation of the skin. Wash off after 10 minutes.
2. 1 teaspoon of the gruel of the fruit is mixed with the same amount of lemon juice and applied to the pigmented skin for whitening. Use only in autumn and winter, after application, apply cream with SPF-50.

Rambutan fruit in cooking

Most often, rambutan is used in cooking raw and fresh. The fruits have a rich sweet and sour taste and a delicate aroma, so they can be served as a separate dish, for example, on skewers, in fruit slices or just in a basket with berries and fruits. But also rambutan can be used in the preparation of exotic desserts, side dishes, salads.

Fruit sliced

The simplest and most effective way to feed rambutan is with fruit sliced ​​skewers. Rambutan is successfully combined with such fruits and berries:

• Strawberry;
• grapes;
• blackberry;
• plum;
• pear;
• mango;
• banana;
• feijoa;
• pitahaya.

In order to cook a spectacular fruit cut and serve, you must first wash and peel all prepared fruits. Especially carefully it is necessary to prepare the pulp of rambutan. To remove the bone, you need to use wooden sticks. The remaining fruits can be cut into cubes or slices of a different shape, if desired.

Seafood salad

Rambutan is in harmony with seafood, so you can use it in salads and side dishes as an addition. Here is one of the recipes for squid and rambutan salad recipes. Ingredients:

• 3 carcasses of squid;
• 150 g of hard cheese (any, preferably with bitterness);
• 1 red onion;
• 3-4 fruits of rambutan;
• lime juice;
• olive oil;
• a handful of pine nuts;
• salt and pepper to taste.

Squid must be cleaned and boiled in salt water at minimum heat for no longer than 10 minutes.Immediately, until the carcass has cooled down, cut, drizzle with oil and vinegar, salt and pepper, put the rings in a salad bowl. When the squid cools down, add cheese sliced ​​in cubes or julienne, as well as onion chopped in half rings. Add the pulp of rambutan at the very end, cut into halves or quarters. Prepare dressing from lime juice and olive oil, salt and pepper, sprinkle with pine nuts before serving.

Ice cream

Since rambutan is a fairly sweet product, you can make ice cream out of it even without added sugar. But, if this is a classic creamy recipe, you must use powdered sugar. Here is one of the best recipe options.

Ingredients:

• 300 g of fruit pulp;
• 300 ml cream;
• 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar;
• some vanillin.

It is necessary to grind the pulp of the fruit with a blender, but be sure to remove the seeds before this. Separately, whip the cream with powdered sugar. When the cream is whipped, cool them a little, and then begin to whip again at medium speed, gradually pouring the pulp from the pulp of the fruit. At the very end, add vanillin and place in the freezer for 3 hours. Before serving, you can use a special spoon to form beautiful balls, pour them with berry syrup, caramel or chocolate topping.

Jam

You can cook the most delicate jam from the pulp of the fruit, which will have a jelly-like consistency. With this jam you can make pancakes, use it for sandwiches or any other dishes. Cooking is very simple. It is necessary to take the following ingredients:

• 1 kg of fruit;
• 600 g of sugar;
• 1 pack of thickener.

The fruits need to be peeled and chopped, then put in a deep pot and cover with sugar. Cover and leave for 30 minutes. After half an hour, start cooking at minimum temperatures. It is important to constantly stir the jam so that it does not stick. After 40 minutes, cool and pack in jars.

Harm and contraindications

Rambutan contains a lot of different types of sugar, so it should be used with caution in diabetes. It is also not recommended to use in large quantities with frequent attacks of hypertension. These diseases are not categorical contraindications - everything is determined individually. It is necessary to consult a doctor and find out how much the fruit will be safe and beneficial for the body.

But there are contraindications in which it is necessary to completely exclude the use of the fruits of this plant.

1. An allergic reaction is hypersensitivity. If allergy symptoms (itching, redness, swelling) appeared after use, you must refuse and take an antihistamine medicine, and then go to the doctor immediately.
2. Acute diseases of the digestive system - colitis, gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis.

It is important to remember that rambutan has a pronounced laxative effect. Local residents of the countries in which this fruit grows are already adapted to this feature, and their body practically does not respond to rambutan. But people who do not eat fruit in everyday life, it is better to consume it in moderation in order to avoid diarrhea.

Another important warning - in no case should you use the product with a bone, this is fraught with severe intoxication of the body. If the bones were eaten raw, it is necessary to rinse the stomach and take the sorbent. Nevertheless, it is possible to eat the bones in a welded form, since due to the heat treatment the toxins lose their concentration and cease to pose a danger to human health.

Also, do not forget about the norm - the maximum single serving is 250 g. If you eat more fruit pulp, the following symptoms may appear:

• nausea;
• indigestion;
• flatulence;
• cramping in the abdomen;
• vomiting
• diarrhea;
• intoxication state (in rare cases).

Using rambutan in moderation, you can get a lot of benefit from it. Excessive consumption of the product is fraught with dangerous consequences, so do not exceed the recommended rate.

How to choose and store

Only fresh fruits need to be selected, since rambutan has a fairly limited shelf life. There are some rules and tips that will help you choose the freshest fruits and save them.

1. It is important to pay attention to the smell of fruits - there should be no putrefactive notes, only such fruits can be eaten. The presence of putrefactive or acidic odor is a sign of fermentation that began in the pulp. The use of such a fetus can lead to digestive upset.
2. It is important to pay attention to the integrity of the peel. Products with a whole peel will last longer.
3. The color of the fibers is a guideline by which you can determine the level of ripeness of the fruit. They must be reddish. If rambutan is covered with green skin with rare red spots, this indicates that it has not yet matured. Such fruits will not be too tasty.
4. High-quality, moderately ripe rambutan is not too soft. Excessively soft fruits are sweet enough, but they cannot be stored.
5. So that rambutan could lie in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, you need to choose unrefined fruits. Often in supermarkets only pulp is sold in portioned trays - you can eat it, but you will have to do it right away.

In countries where rambutan grows, it is best to buy it on the outskirts or in villages where there are plantations of these trees. There it will be fresher, juicier and cheaper.

How to eat rambutan

Rambutan can be eaten in any form - it is good both raw and after heat treatment. In order to enjoy this exotic fruit, you do not need to know any special rules. All you need is to properly clean, as well as remove the bone from the pulp.

How to clean

To clean the fruit, you do not need to take a knife or any other device. The peel is quite easily removed by hand. In the central part of the fruit there is a natural natural seam, by clicking on which, you can remove the upper half of the skin. After that, in the same way, you need to remove the second half. The process is similar to peeling the chestnut, the only difference is that the rambutan should not be pressed too hard, as this can damage the pulp.

The inside can be cut into two halves with a very sharp knife, and also in the process to take out the bone. After this, the pulp can be served as a separate dish or used to prepare various desserts, juices, snacks and drinks.

Is it possible to eat a bone

Rambutan bones contain toxic substances that evaporate quite quickly during heat treatment. In Asian countries, bones are considered a delicacy and a useful product that produces the following effects:

• strengthens nails and hair;
• relieves constipation;
• protects and cleanses the liver;
• stimulates the activity of the brain;
• improves skin condition;
• protects blood vessels from thrombosis, varicose veins.

The bone can be eaten, but in order to be absolutely safe for health, it is necessary to fry it or carefully dry it in the oven. It tastes quite good, can serve as an additive to desserts prepared from the pulp of the fruit.

Interesting Facts

Rambutan is a rather unusual fruit, which for a long time remained without the attention of gourmets, since it has a not too appetizing appearance. A lot of interesting facts are connected with its use and cultivation.

1. Rambutan began to be used in large quantities in cooking only three centuries ago, before that even in its homeland it was not very appreciated.
2. Scientists were able to prove in the course of research the ability of this plant to slow down the aging process and prolong life.
3. Some of the elite brands of Israeli cosmetics use an extract from these plants.
4. Rambutan in the old days served as the basis for the preparation of hard liquors.

Rambutan is an exotic fruit with a nondescript appearance, but rich in taste and a high concentration of biologically active substances. If you use this product in the diet correctly, not forgetting the recommended rate, it will affect the body only beneficially.

Rambutan photo