The Health Benefits of Lulo Fruit
Lulo fruit is scientifically called as “Solanum quitoense” .
ORIGIN OF LULO FRUIT
Lulo fruits are native to the low mountains of western South America and was first mentioned in mid-17th century records from Ecuador and Colombia.
OTHER NAMES OF LULO FRUIT
Lulo, Naranjilla, Quito-Orange, obando, cocona, nuqui .
APPEARANCE OF LULO FRUIT
Lulo are small, round fruits, when mature the thick peel is bright orange with a smooth, leathery texture and may be covered in fine, spiky hairs that are easily brushed off.
The greenish pulp is separated into four sections and has a jelly-like consistency and small, pale-yellow seeds.
TASTES OF LULO FRUIT
The flavor of fruit is exceptionally tart. A few people would contrast it with a pineapple, or even a blend of lime and rhubarb.
VARIETIES OF LULO FRUIT
In Ecuador, there are five different varieties of naranjilla recognized: agria, Baeza, Baezaroja, bola, and dulce.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF LULO FRUIT
100g of Lulo pulp, unsweetened
• Water [g] 93.05
• Energy 25
• Energy [kJ] 103
• Protein [g] 0.44
• Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.22
• Ash [g] 0.39
• Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 5.9
• Fibre, total dietary [g] 1.1
• Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 3.74
• Phosphorus, P [mg] 12
• Potassium, K [mg] 200
• Sodium, Na [mg] 4
• Zinc, Zn [mg] 0.1
• Copper, Cu [mg] 0.03
• Manganese, Mn [mg] 0.07
• Selenium, Se [µg] 0.4
• Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 3.2
• Thiamine [mg] 0.05
• Niacin [mg] 1.45
• Pantothenic acid [mg] 0.22
• Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.11
• Folate, total [µg] 3
• Carotene, alpha [µg] 4
• Cryptoxanthin, beta [µg] 10
• Vitamin A, IU [IU] 568
• Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] 299
• Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 0.75
• Tocotrienol, gamma [mg] 0.01
• Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 14.6
HEALTH BENEFITS OF LULO FRUIT
Boosts Immunity: Lulo is high in vitamin A and vitamin C, which help in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that fights free radical damage. It stimulates the production of white blood cells, which fight infections and pathogens.
Improves Eye Health: The carotenoids, including beta carotene and vitamin A present in lulo help in neutralizing free radicals that happen to cause oxidative stress on the eye cells.
Maintains Healthy Heart: The dietary fibre present in lulo helps in eliminating bad cholesterol from the body. The presence of vitamins and minerals can help improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system which lowers the chances of heart attack and strokes.
Fortifies Bone Health: Lulo fruit rich in minerals like calcium, iron and phosphorous ,can help in improving the density of bone tissue and preventing diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis.
Prevents Cancer: Lulo fruit is anti-carcinogenic in nature due to the presence of vitamins and antioxidants that fight free radical damage.
Reduces Blood Pressure: Presence of phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids, regulate high blood pressure levels. These chemicals along with the soluble pectin fibre keep bad cholesterol levels in check and promote heart health.
Detoxify Body: Lulo is known to removes excess toxins from the kidneys, removes stress from the liver and flushes out excess salts, water and also fat from the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Lulo are rich in anthocyanins which prevent inflammation caused by pain, swelling, and redness. Presence of polyphenols and other antioxidants in Lulo , treats disorders like, inflammation of the tracheal passage.
Push Relief and Sleep Disorders: Lulo fruit contain B vitamins, magnesium and Melatonin , that has been associated with hormonal changes in the body and can enhance the state of mood or mind.
Treats Diabetics: The Lulo fruit fibre helps in regulating the release of glucose into the bloodstream. These fibres are beneficial for those suffering from diabetes .
Aids Digestion: Important fibre found in lulo fruit known as Pepsin which is beneficial for the digestive tract and promote digestion. Pepsin is one of the best compound for the gastrointestinal health.