Malaysians’ notorious fondness for native tropical fruits has always had less to do with their health benefits (they have health benefits?), and more with their unmatched tastiness, tremendous culinary versatility and around-every-corner availability (aren’t we lucky?!). But our “B**ch, I’m fabulous” fruits (yes, even hard-on-the-eyes lychee) have proven to be copyright owners of a jungle of vitamins and minerals, and offer a doctor’s medical bag of health benefits. Below are five of the most ‘powder-ful’ Malaysian fruits in terms of nutritious value (the diva durian, with its eye-gouging thorns and seizure-inducing odour, was not invited to the party):
Starfruit (officially known as ‘carambola’ (I didn’t know that!))
The born-for-superstardom starfruit is the prima donna of tropical fruits, thanks to its sky-high potassium content – the highest among all fruits, in fact. The epic nutrient does wonders in maintaining normal blood pressure and reduces the risk of hypertension and stroke. It is also brimming with antioxidants (which help prevent or delay cell damage throughout the body) and Vitamin C; and, as an added bonus, has been shown to contain antibacterial properties. The starfruit also distinguishes itself by what it is deficient in – namely, sugar, sodium and acid, so you can feast on the fruit with abandon (and no guilt whatsoever).
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Rambutan
The fruit that tried to develop spikes, but went ‘sotong’ at the last minute, the sea urchin-impersonating rambutan is abundant with antioxidants, healthy fats, proteins, phosphorus, iron, Vitamin C, calcium, copper and flavonoids; and helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, regulates cholesterol levels, prevents certain cancers, maintains healthy digestion, promotes healthy bowel movement, wards off anemia, strengthens the immune system, fortifies bones, eliminates free radicals, hydrates skin and boosts energy levels (don’t play-play!).
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Young coconut (ageism can’t be helped in this case)
Proving that youth and lack of ‘experience’ are no obstacles to being awesome, unripe coconut is a grenade of healthy nutrients, which include potassium, magnesium (an essential mineral which helps build bones, enables nerves to function and is used to treat a wide range of chronic ailments, including diabetes), and iron (which plays a key role in the production of red blood cells). Its jelly-like flesh is also rich in protein, while its water is one of the richest natural sources of electrolytes (which provide a dizzying range of health benefits, which include regulating energy and pH balance, and aiding muscle contraction and healthy cell functions). So go loco (and nuts) for coconuts!
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Mangosteen
The rumoured inspiration for the purple Teletubby, the tasty mangosteen is a packed medicine chest of natural healing compounds called ‘xanthones’, which are saturated with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-tumour agents. Its list of health benefits is lengthy, and includes lowering blood pressure, preventing certain cancers, alleviating cardiovascular diseases, strengthening bones, warding off eye-related ailments, relieving arthritis, slowing down the aging process, improving blood flow, reducing bad cholesterol, boosting the immune system, staving off Alzheimer’s and averting stroke (a CV crowded with good Samaritan skills).
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Dragon fruit (officially known as ‘pitaya’ (no way!))
A fruit whose alarmingly garish hue makes it the talk of the fruit community, dragon fruit contains a bounty of nutrients, which includes Vitamin C, several B vitamins, dietary fibre, carotene, calcium, iron, polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) and phosphorus. Health benefits of the fruit’s consumption include bone fortification, healthy blood and tissue formation, a strengthened immune system, reduced respiratory ailments, the flushing out of toxins in the body, lowered risk of cardiovascular disorders, improved eyesight, and a greater defense against prostate cancer. Phew!
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