Fruits play an essential role in improving our physical health. Fresh and dried fruits are good for the health of our bodies. These fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Ambarella is one such excellent spicy fruit rich in various nutrients. This article describes the health benefits of ambarella.
What is Ambarella?
Ambarella is a nutritious fruit with a spicy taste. The ambarella plant is native to South and Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated in parts of Malaysia, India, Africa and Sri Lanka. Ambarella has many health benefits such as boosting the immune system, preventing heart diseases like atherosclerosis, maintaining optimal vision, enriching skin structure, and treating weapons problems. (1)
Plant Description
Ambarella is a deciduous tree with elliptic, pinnate leaves with 9-25 leaflets. The trees can grow to 40-60 feet tall. The flowers are developed in at least one large cluster and are small-white. The fruits are green when raw and golden yellow when ripe. The fruits are ovate and about 2.4-3.5 inches long. In the center of each fruit is a large stringy seed.
Nutritional value of per 100 g Ambarella/Spondias dulcis
| Nutritions | Value |
| Fat | 0.27 g |
| Protein | 0.88 g |
| Iron | 0.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary fiber | 2.2 g |
| Sugar | 5.95 g |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Phosphorus | 67 mg |
| Vitamin C | 36 mg |
| Water | 80 g |
Different linguistics name of Ambarella/Spondias dulcis
- Sri Lanka: Ambarella, June Plum
- Thai: Dwarf Golden Plum, Makok faring
- Vietnam: Coc
- Indonesia and Malaysia: Kedondong
- India: Nishamadhulika, Hog plum
Scientific classification of Ambarella/Spondias dulcis
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Rosids
- Order: Sapindales
- Family: Anacardiaceae
- Genus: Spondias
- Species: S. dulcis
- Scientific name: Spondias dulcis
Benefits of Ambarella
1. Helps treats cough
Ambarella leaf extract is very useful for treating coughs. Drinking boiled about 3 to 4 fresh ambarella leaves in two cups of water helps to reduce cough and is usually taken with honey.
Ambarella can also be used to treat coughs. Cut the ambarella fruit into two or three pieces and squeezed water. A pinch of salt can be added to the extract and taken three times a day to relieve cough.
2. Controlling cholesterol levels
Ambarella fruits contain a good amount of vitamins that help metabolize cholesterol into bile acids, which can have an effect on cholesterol levels in the blood and cases of gallstones. So, this fruit is useful to control your cholesterol level.
3. Improves vision
Ambarella is considered to be a wonderful source of vitamin A. It plays an important role in visual perception. The retinol compound of vitamin A is responsible for this function as it improves a person’s visual perception.
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4. Increase endurance
The sucrose type component with the nutritional content of ambarella fruit is definitely very important as vitality and endurance.
5. Boost immune system
Ambarella fruits are rich in vitamin C. It improves the function of the immune system. It improves collagen formation and accelerates the wound healing process. The fruit contains antioxidants and helps prevent free radical damage.
6. Helps treat digestive problems
Ambarella contains a good amount of dietary fiber, which helps in digestion and cleanses the intestines. It is recommended for those suffering from constipation and dyspepsia (indigestion). The high water content of this fruit prevents dehydration.
The bark of the ambarella tree is used as a remedy for stomach ulcers. People suffering from diarrhea and stomach problems can take herbal mixtures of ambarella tree bark to reduce the discomfort. The herbal mixture is prepared using 5 grams of ambarella tree bark. Clean bark is boiled in two cups of water until the water is reduced by half. The mixture can be taken to provide immediate relief for the stomach.
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7. Prevent premature aging
Vitamin C in ambarella can protect important molecules, such as proteins, lipids (fats), carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage caused by free radicals, toxins or pollutants. Free radicals are one of the causes of premature aging.
8. Helps in weight loss
Ambarella are low in fat, carbohydrates and high in dietary fiber. Although the fruit is low in calories, it provides essential nutrients to the body. Therefore, it is an ideal fruit for weight loss. The water content of this fruit provides a feeling of fullness and prevents overeating.
9. Overcoming anemia
100 grams of iron in ambarella can help in the formation of red blood cells. In addition to iron, apparently ambarella fruit contains vitamin B which helps in the production of red blood cells and increases the flow of oxygen throughout the body and prevents anemia.
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10. Improves skin health
Ambarella is rich in vitamin C which helps in tissue repair and nourishes the skin. It increases the production of collagen and improves the beauty of the skin. Ambarella is also used to treat skin diseases. Boil ambarella leaves and use the extract as a substitute for body lotions and moisturizers. Traditionally, the roots of the tree are used to treat itchy skin.
Other Benefits of Ambarella
- Antioxidants present in ambarella fight cancer.
- This fruit helps in tissue renewal and protects against cardiovascular diseases.
- In some places, ambarella is used to treat burn injuries.
- Scientific research has also shown that ambarella can lower high blood pressure.
- The seeds of the ambarella are used for the treatment of respiratory diseases due to their antibiotic content.
- The leaves of the ambarella tree are dried and grind and used to treat mouth ulcers.
- Diabetics are recommended to eat this as it can control blood sugar levels.
- Ambarella are rich in phosphorus and calcium for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
- Ambarella are beneficial for women as their iron content regulates the formation of red blood cells and helps prevent anemia.
Uses of Ambarella
The raw, green fruits have a slightly sour taste, so they are sun-dried and used to make jams and pickles, or eaten with salt and spices. The ripe yellow ambarella have delicious, mushy internal flesh, and are enjoyed in other fruit salads as well as puddings and pastries. Along with the fruit, the leaves, roots are also used as medicines to cure diseases and skin problems.
Side effects of Ambarella
There is not enough evidence or information about the side effects of ambarella so more research is needed for the side effects of this fruit. Since raw ambarella has a very spicy and sour taste, excessive consumption of this fruit can cause stomach problems. There is not enough reliable data to know whether it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers to consume ambarella. Use with caution or avoid use.
Therefore, ambarella should be used in the right amount considering its advantages and disadvantages as excessive use of any ingredient can harm our health. The above information is provided for general information purposes only. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using ambarella.
Conclusion
The information discussed in this article has introduced you to the health benefits of ambarella. In this article you will learn about the benefits, harms, uses and information of ambarella. I hope the information mentioned in this article will be useful to you. Thank you!
FAQ
1. What are the common names of ambarella?
Ans: The common names of ambarella are- June plum, Jew plum, Golden apple, Polynesian plum, Tahitian quince, Otaheite apple etc.
2. What is ambarella good for?
Ans: Ambarella has many health benefits such as boosting the immune system, preventing heart diseases like atherosclerosis, maintaining optimal vision, enriching the skin structure and repairing the intestines.
3. Is ambarella good for skin health?
Ans: Ambarella contains a good source of vitamin C which helps in tissue repair and nourishes the skin. It increases the production of collagen and improves the beauty of the skin. Ambarella is also used to treat skin diseases.
4. Ambarella trees belong to which family of plants?
Ans: Ambarella tree belongs to the Anacardiaceae family of plants.
5. What is the scientific name of ambarella?
Ans: The scientific name of ambarella is Spondias dulcis.