Rambutan: characteristics, benefits and properties

The rambutan is an exotic fruit with a very characteristic shape, since resembles lychee, but has more "hair" on its surface. It comes from Indonesia and has gained fame due to its nutritional properties. It has an intense red color, which indicates an important content of antioxidants inside.

The great advantage of rambutan is that it can be found throughout the year, as well as having an excellent conservation capacity. However, it is necessary to go to specialized stores to get it, as it is not yet common in Western countries. It is also canned.

Nutritional properties

Within its nutritional value, we highlight that rambutan has a significant concentration of carbohydrates, especially the simple type. Nevertheless, the proteins and fats inside are practically residual.

It is a food with a good content in micro and phytonutrients. It also provides fiber and its energy value is low.

Rambutan is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus and vitamin B3. For this reason, its consumption is beneficial for the human body. However, it must be introduced in the context of a healthy and balanced diet in order to enjoy its positive effects.

To find out more: Does vitamin C help fight allergies?

Benefits of rambutan

Next we are going to comment on the main benefits of rambutan.

Improves the functioning of the immune system

One of the characteristics of vitamin C is its ability to enhance the immune response. This is indicated by a study published in the journal Nutrients.

The habitual consumption of this micronutrient reduces the risk of contracting infectious respiratory diseases. In addition, it improves their management, reducing the duration of the symptoms.

Reduction of the risk of developing chronic diseases

In addition to the micronutrients found inside, rambutan stands out for its phytonutrient content with antioxidant capacity. These substances have been shown to be capable of preventing the appearance of chronic and complex pathologies. They manage to reduce blood pressure, neutralize the formation of free radicals and prevent mutations at the cellular level.

The optimum is to include a large number of different phytonutrients in the diet. For this, it is necessary to consume plant foods with bright colors or bitter flavors. This is because most of the antioxidants are nothing more than pigments.

More efficient intestinal transit

As we discussed, rambutan has significant amounts of fiber. This substance is capable of preventing chronic constipation. This condition has consequences that alter people's quality of life and are linked to an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

There is evidence that fiber activates intestinal mechanoreceptors from an increase in the volume of the fecal bolus. Stimulation generates an increase in motility, which translates into a more efficient descent of feces through the digestive tract.

You may also be interested in: Types of fibers that most help the microbiota

How is rambutan consumed and how is it stored?

To eat the rambutan, the first thing to do is remove the shell. For this you can use a knife, although it is important not to go through the pulp.

The peel itself is cut in half and the fruit is squeezed so that the pulp from the inside comes out. However, Before eating the food, you must remove a poisonous seed from it, in a process that is quite simple.

From a conservation point of view, the best thing is to put the rambutan in a perforated plastic bag and place it in the fridge. In this way, it remains in perfect condition for several days, without undergoing significant alterations in its organoleptic characteristics.

Precautions with rambutan

The seeds and rind of rambutan can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, it is only recommended to eat the pulp as such.

Otherwise, stomach and digestive problems could be experienced acutely. Seizures or cognitive alterations are even generated when the consumption of the toxic parts is excessive. However, you don't have to worry if you remove the shell and the seed.

Rambutan: an exotic fruit

Rambutan is a rare fruit in Western countries, although it has beneficial nutrients for the body. It is a food similar to lychee, with a similar flavor and a high content of antioxidants.

Nonetheless, its consumption without the proper precautions can cause health problems, due to the toxicity of some of its inedible parts. Do not be afraid and encourage yourself to experience it by taking the precautions of the case, as we explained.