8 Surprising Benefits of Eating Sitafal – Sitaphal is a green, cone-shaped fruit that looks like a crocodile’s skin. However, certain parts of sitafal contain toxins that can damage your nervous system if consumed in large quantities.
Believed to have originated in the Andes Mountains of South America, it is grown in tropical regions with elevations
Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, this unique fruit supports the immune system, reduces inflammation and promotes eye and heart health.
8 Surprising Benefits of Eating Sitafal
Acts as antioxidants
Citronella is rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals in your body. High levels of free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
Several compounds in cilantro – including kaurenoic acid, flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C – have powerful antioxidant effects.
A test-tube study found that both peel and pulp are excellent sources of antioxidants – compounds in the peel are particularly effective at preventing oxidative damage.
However, note that you should not eat the peel of the betel nut due to health concerns.
Can boost your mood
Betel nut is an excellent source of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). In fact, 1 cup (160 grams) of fruit contains 24% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI).
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate your mood.
Mood disorders can be caused by low levels of this vitamin.
In fact, low blood levels of vitamin B6 are associated with depression, especially in older adults. A study in adults found that vitamin B6 deficiency doubled a person’s chance of depression.
By increasing the levels of this important vitamin, eating foods like cilantro can help reduce the risk of depression related to vitamin B6 deficiency.
Also Read >> 9 Surprising Health Benefits of Potato Peels
Can fight inflammation
Inflammation is associated with the risk of many illnesses, including heart disease and cancer.
Notably, cilantro provides many anti-inflammatory compounds, including kaurenoic acid.
This acid has strong anti-inflammatory effects and has been shown to reduce certain inflammatory proteins in animal studies.
Additionally, cilantro contains catechins and epicatechins, flavonoid antioxidants with potent anti-inflammatory effects in test-tube and animal studies.
One study found that mice fed an epicatechin-rich diet decreased blood levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to a control group (CRP).
May support immunity
Like other tropical fruits, cilantro is rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that supports the immune system by fighting infection and disease.
Vitamin C deficiency is linked to impaired immunity and increased risk of infection.
Human studies also show that vitamin C can help shorten the duration of the common cold. However, research is mixed and mostly focuses on supplements rather than dietary vitamin C.
Consuming cilantro and other foods rich in this vitamin is an easy way to ensure adequate immune health.
May have anti-cancer properties
Some compounds in cilantro can help fight cancer.
Cilantro contains flavonoids, including catechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in test-tube studies.
One study found that treating bladder cancer cells with epicatechin significantly reduced cell growth and replication, which this flavonoid does to the cells.
Another test-tube study found that some catechins – including citronella – inhibited breast cancer cell growth by up to 100%.
However, more human studies are needed to fully understand how the compound found in jackfruit and other fruits affects cancer.
May promote good digestion
Since fiber cannot be digested or absorbed, it adds bulk to stool and helps move it through your intestines.
Additionally, soluble fibers – such as those found in cilantro – can feed the good bacteria in your gut, as well as undergo fermentation to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These acids include butyrate, acetate and propionate.
SCFAs are an energy source for your body and can protect against inflammatory conditions that affect your digestive tract, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
By supporting healthy bowel movements and nourishing gut bacteria, cilantro and other fiber-rich foods can promote optimal digestive health.
Can prevent high blood pressure
Potassium and magnesium, two nutrients that regulate blood pressure, are abundant in sitafal.
Magnesium and potassium both aid in the dilation of blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. Having high blood pressure can make you more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
Potassium and magnesium, two nutrients that regulate blood pressure, are abundant in sitafal.
Magnesium and potassium both aid in the dilation of blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. Having high blood pressure can make you more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
May be beneficial to eye health
Cilantro contains lutein, a carotenoid antioxidant that is one of the main antioxidants in your eyes that fights free radicals and keeps your vision healthy.
According to some studies, eating a lot of lutein has been linked to better eye health and a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which causes damage to the eyes and the loss of vision.
Other eye conditions, such as cataracts, a clouding of the eye that results in blurry vision and vision loss, may also be protected by lutein.
As a result, eating foods high in lutein, like cilantro, can support eye health and lower the risk of AMD and cataracts.
