Ambarella:Packed with nutrients and keeps you trim too
Ambarella, yet another fruit in the ever-expanding list of exotics has quickly gained in popularity with its wide scale commercial availability. Botanically, Spondias dulcis (syn. Spondias cytherea) the fruit belongs to the family Anacardiaceae,and is considered to be an under-appreciated member in the family which includes the mango, Mangifera indica, and cashew, Anacardium occidentale.
The fruits that are available round the year are in bunches of up to a dozen on long stalks. They are globose egg-sized and when unripe are hard and green with no hints of sweetness in their tough, crunchy, fibrous flesh. The best fruits have a waxy, glossy skin.
As the fruits mature, they will be darker green and some may be brownish. The fruit has a leathery stone which is ridged and bears hard fibres that project into the flesh. When green, the fruit is sub-acid. As the fruit ripens on the tree or after harvest it turns to a yellow colour, the flesh softens, the flavour changes and the fibres become more noticeable.The aroma of the ripened fruit is pleasant, floral at peak ripeness, with the taste being described as similar to pineapple.
At the green stage, while still firm, it is relished by many and popularly eaten with salt and chillie powder or made into the traditional pickle. An exciting dip can be made with the raw fruit by blending with garlic, chillie powder and salt and adding other herbs such as coriander, parsley or mint to enhance the flavour. You can even add wedges into salads or make a side dish by mixing thin slices with dried shrimps, mint and fish sauce.
Unripe fruits can also be made into jelly, preserves and chutneys or used for flavouring sauces, soups and stews. Juiced with ginger or lime and honey it gives a very refreshing drink or can be made into sherbets mixed with other tropical fruit juices to enhance flavour, aroma and taste. If the crisp sliced flesh is stewed with a little water and sugar and then strained through a wire sieve, it makes a most acceptable product, much like applesauce but with a richer flavour that can be used as a replacement for apple with roast pork. The raw fruit also makes a delicious curry by simmering in coconut milk with other vegetables with the ambarella imparting a sour taste that balances the creaminess of the coconut milk. You can even bake chips from selected fruits or dehydrate and store for future use.
Nutritional benefits
Ambarella is supposedly one of the richest known sources of vitamin C containing about 30 times that in oranges. Hundred grams of the fruit contains about 60% of your daily vitamin C requirement. The fruit also contains noteworthy amounts of iron, calcium and phosphorus. Ambarella does not contain any saturated fat, cholesterol or sodium and and is a great choice for weight watchers. The fruits are also loaded with dietary fibre and contain niacin, vitamin A and carotene as well as vitamin B complex constituents such as thiamin and riboflavin.
Boosts the immune system
The fruit improves the function of the immune system and makes sure your body fights cold and flu due to the high vitamin C content. It is also used against throat and respiratory tract infections and accelerates the wound healing process. The fruit also contains antioxidants and helps prevent free radical damage and reduces the risk of dangerous clot formation in blood vessels improving blood flow and preventing damage to tissues and organs.
Improves skin health
Further, the vitamin C content of the fruit helps in tissue repair and nourishes the skin acting as a natural antioxidant. It increases the production of collagen and improves the beauty of the skin. Ambarella is also used to treat skin diseases.
Treats digestive problems
The fruit is high in dietary fibre, which facilitates digestion and helps clear the bowel. The pulp of the fruit is recommended for those who suffer from constipation and indigestion.
Improves vision
Ambarella fruit is a good source of vitamin A. It plays an important role in visual perception. The compound of vitamin A known as retinol helps distribute images that are received by the retina of the eye. The decoction of the ambarella leaves is used as a wash for sore eyes.
Provides energy
The fruit is high in sugar mainly in the form of sucrose, which provides instant energy and thus is a natural and wholesome way to boost vitality and endurance.
Prevents anaemia
if you often experience anemia or less blood, the ambarella fruit may be the solution. The fruit contains high levels of iron which can help the body produce red blood cells so that you avoid anemia. In addition the fruit also contains vitamin B1 that can help the production of red blood cells and increases the flow of oxygen throughout the body preventing anemia and thus is specially beneficial for women.
Regulates blood glucose levels
The fruit has anti-hyperglycemic activity which helps to counteract high levels of glucose in the blood and is useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Ambarella is also good for diabetic patients because it is heavy in digestion as diabetic patients have increased appetite and feel like eating often.
Other benefits
The phosphorus and calcium content of ambarella is beneficial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Ambarella has been used to treat urinary tract infections and haemorrhoids. It is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of wounds, burns and sores and is an excellent treatment for headaches. The fruit also exhibits antimicrobial activities against a wide variety of strains. Scientific studies have proven that the fruit can lower high blood pressure.
So having a daily serving of ambarella will not only provide you with an extension to your menu but will also overflow to your required nutrition and protect you against harmful ailments while keeping your body trim and slim.