Interesting Health Facts on Suriname Cherry
Suriname Cherry is Scientifically named as ” Eugenia Uniflora ” belong to the family Myrtaceae.
Origin Of Suriname Cherry
Surinam cherry is native to tropical South America’s east coast, ranging from Suriname, French Guiana to southern Brazil, as well as Uruguay and parts of Paraguay and Argentina. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in Samoa, Hawaii, Ceylon and India. But it is occasionally grown in Southern China, tropical Africa and the Philippines.
Other Names Of Suriname Cherry
Surinam Cherry, Pitanga, Brazilian Cherry, Cayenne Cherry, Florida Cherry, Surinamkirsche, Surinam-Kirschmyrte, Cayena, nagapiry, Barbados cherry, French cherry, Pitanga cherry, and Red Brazil cherry .
Appearance Of Suriname Cherry
The Cherry fruit has the appearance of a Tiny pumpkin. Surinam cherries are small fruits, averaging 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter, and have an ovate to round slightly flattened, Each fruit has one round “stone” or seed inside.
The white seed in the center of the fruit is about 1.2 cm in diameter . Each fruit is deeply ribbed, showcasing 7 to 8 vertical ridges, and the skin is thin, smooth, delicate, and glossy with colors ranging from unripe green to orange to bright red.
Tastes Of Suriname Cherry
Ripe Surinam cherries are juicy – pulp has a tangy-sweet taste, with a slight bitter hint. Surinam Fruits with deeper red color (almost black) are sweeter and less astringent.
Varieties Of Suriname Cherry
Lolita variety: black when ripe
Chamba variety: nearly fire engine red when ripe.
Nutrition Content Of Suriname Cherry
About 173 g of Surinam cherries contain the following amount of nutrients:
• Carbohydrates – 13 g
• Protein – 1.4 g
• Vitamin A – 43 g
• Vitamin C – 45.5 mg
• Thiamine – 0.1 mg
• Riboflavin – 0.1 mg
• Niacin – 0.5 mg
• Fat – 0.7 g
• Calcium – 15.6 mg
• Iron – 0.3 mg
• Magnesium – 20.8 mg
• Prosperous – 19.0 mg
• Potassium – 178 mg
• Sodium – 5.2 mg
• Water – 157 g
In addition, the fruit also contains antioxidants, gamma-carotenes, lycopene and rubixanthins.
Interesting Health Facts on Suriname Cherry
Enhances Immune system : Pitanga berries also help increase the production of antibodies and fight against the diseases that lead to microbes. Pitanga berries or cherries contain antioxidants rich in essential vitamins, which are important in fortifying the immune system to fight against highly reactive free radicals that may damage body cells.
Promotes Lung Health: Regular consumption of Pitanga berries helps in the proper functioning of the pulmonary and prevents the lungs from contracting certain diseases or infections. The anti-inflammatory property that is found in it is used in treating lung inflammation and also helps in improving lung function and can even go a long way in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Rejuvenates Energy Levels: Vitamin B complex present in the fruits provides the body with the amount of energy required for the body’s organ functions.it aids a lot in boosting energy levels. They are also necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Treats Heart Health: Polyphenols and vitamin C, present in Pitanga, have antioxidant action that helps reduce cell damage, keep blood vessels healthy, improve the functioning of arteries and therefore help protect against cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Prevents Skin: The Pitanga has vitamin C and A which are antioxidants that help fight free radicals that cause skin aging.Vitamin C also works by increasing the production of collagen, which is important to fight sagging. In addition, vitamin A protects the skin from damage caused by the sun’s rays that cause premature aging of the skin.
Eye Ailments: Pitanga cherries has lot of vitamins like antioxidants and minerals keeps eye healthy. The fruit also contains melatonin which regulates the sleep center of the brain and inhibits insomnia.
Muscle Regeneration: This Fruit with Vitamin A ensures the proper growth of muscles and prevents the development of muscular dystrophy .it contains potassium, magnesium, and carbohydrates nutrients enhance recovery, restore glycogen stores, and support muscle growth.
Regulates the Growth and Reproduction: Surinam cheery has Vitamin B2 ensures the proper development and growth of reproductive organs and body tissues growth such as connective tissues, skin, eyes, nervous system, mucous membranes and immune system.
Maintains Digestion: Surinam cherries come with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help to prevent constipation and restore and maintain regular bowel function, reduce stomach inflammation, acidity, bloating, diarrhea.
Controls Diabetics: Recent study published in the journal that Antioxidants found such as aqueous extract of dried leaves of Surinam cherry helped preserve insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells.