Lanzones is an antioxidant fruit that is native in Southeast Asia, and with the Scientific name Lansium domesticum. It is commonly grown in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. Also, it is popularly known as the provincial flower of South Sumatra in Indonesia.
The fruits of the lanzones may be oval, round or elliptical in shape, always appearing in clusters, just like grapes. It has a leathery, thin and yellow skin which is easy to peel. While its fruits look somewhat like round potatoes.
Inside the skin of the lanzones lies the translucent white, juicy fruit, which is divided into 5-6 sections. The fruit has 1-3 dark green, inedible, bitter seeds, but with no more than 1 in a single segment.
Its taste may range from sweet to tart, similar to grapefruit or grapes. But, it may be slightly bitter if the seeds are still clinging on to the flesh.
Health Benefits of Lanzones:
1. Antioxidants for Cancer Prevention
The natural antioxidants present in lanzones, known as polyphenols, can help in prevention of diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart diseases and high blood pressure.
Other antioxidants present in lanzones clean your body from free radicals which quicken the process of aging and might cause serious diseases.
2. Fiber for Heart Disease Prevention
The meat of the lanzones is the only edible part and the seed is not. A 100 gram serving of lanzones, or about 3 1/2-ounces, contains just over 2 grams of fiber per serving, proving 6-8% of the RDA for fiber for men and 8-11% of the recommended dietary allowance of fiber for adult women.
A diet that is high in fiber reduces your risk of heart disease and can also help relieve the symptoms of and possibly prevent constipation.
3. Niacin for Managing Cholesterol Levels
Lanzones contain a significant proportion of Niacin or Vitamin B3, which, similar to the fiber present in it, is very useful in increasing good cholesterol that goes on to get rid of bad cholesterol from the blood, therefore, ensuring a good heart health.
4. Riboflavin for Your Nervous System
Lanzones are a good source of B vitamins and most especially riboflavin, which is also known as vitamin B2. A 3 1/2-ounce serving of lanzones contains about 124 micrograms of riboflavin, or 8-11% of the RDA for riboflavin for adult women and men, which ranges from 1,300 micrograms for men and 1,100 -1,600 micrograms for women.
Also, B vitamins help in the processing of carbohydrates into usable energy, which helps keep your nervous system functioning properly.
5. Vitamin A for Bone Growth
The vitamin A present in lanzones contributes to the overall health of your body, most especially because of the antioxidant levels in them. Vitamin A gives positive results when it comes to bones growth, supporting your nerves and brain function, sharpening your vision, on skin health making it shinier, makes your teeth healthier and strengthening your hair.
How to Eat Lanzones:
1. Using your finger, peel the thin skin of the fruit.
2. Break the segments apart.
3. Take one segment.
4. Take out the green seed, if present.
5. Eat
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