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10 Benefits Of The Santol Fruit
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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
Sir Tom, a caucasian man living right here in Jamaica has planted hundreds of fruit trees. He has introduced us to some unique fruits before like the jaboticaba and the ice cream bean, and recently he introduced us to another, Santol also called Cotton Fruit.
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Health Benefits of Santol Fruit
So as usual, Wellesley was quite excited to capture this unique fruit, but before you jump to the video, let me share with you some of the health benefits.
1. Boosts Immunity
Santol has a significant amount of vitamin C. As you may know, Vitamin C is commonly known to be a powerful antioxidant that CAN strengthen our immune system and even promote the production of white blood cells. These white blood cells are the key to our bodies fighting off infections, viruses, and other harmful pathogens effectively. Because of how vitamin-C-rich Santol is, if you have it frequently it may help to reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu.
2. Improves Digestive Health
Santol is also an excellent source of dietary fibre. It plays an important role in keeping our digestive system healthy. The fibre adds bulk to our stool, facilitates regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. It also supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which are essential for a healthy gut microbiome, improving overall digestive function and nutrient absorption.
3. Fights Oxidative Stress
This unique fruit also contains antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C, which help neutralise free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and contributing to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. By fighting oxidative stress, Santol helps protect the body’s cells from damage, potentially lowering the risk of these conditions.
4. Supports Heart Health
Potassium is a vital mineral found in Santol that helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body. It relaxes blood vessel walls, improves circulation, and reduces strain on the cardiovascular system. Regular intake of potassium-rich foods like Santol can lower the risk of hypertension, stroke, and other heart-related conditions.
5. Promotes Healthy Skin
The presence of vitamin A in Santol contributes to healthy skin by promoting cell regeneration, maintaining skin elasticity, and protecting against UV damage. Antioxidants also combat the effects of ageing, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. Regular consumption of Santol can help achieve a clearer complexion, enhanced skin texture, and a youthful glow.
6. Enhances Bone and Teeth Strength
Santol contains calcium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for maintaining strong bones and healthy teeth. Calcium is crucial for bone density and helps prevent osteoporosis, while phosphorus works with calcium to repair and maintain bone and dental structures.
7. Reduces Inflammation
The various bioactive compounds in Santol, such as flavonoids and phenolics, have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for managing conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and other inflammatory disorders. By reducing inflammation, Santol may help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
8. Aids in Weight Management
If you are struggling with weightloss, Santol might become your new favourite fruit. It is low in calories but high in fibre, which makes it a great addition to a weight management diet. The fibre content will help you to feel fuller for longer and reduce overall food intake and helping control hunger pangs. It can also slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and that will eventually lead to the stabilising blood sugar levels and preventing spikes that can lead to overeating.
9. Improves Vision
The vitamin A present in Santol can play a crucial role in maintaining good vision, especially in low-light conditions. It helps protect the surface of the eye (cornea) and reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration and other eye disorders, supporting overall eye health.
10. Detoxifies the Body
Santol’s fibre content aids in the elimination of toxins from the body through regular bowel movements. This natural detoxification process helps keep the digestive system clean, reduces bloating, and enhances the body's overall ability to remove waste.
Precautions
Interestingly, while Santol offers us numerous health benefits, we have to be careful and ensure that we enjoy it in moderation. Eating too much may lead to side effects like allergic reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, and bloating. It’s also important to know that the seeds are inedible and should not be swallowed, as they can cause intestinal obstruction that may require medical intervention.
So now that you know the major health benefits, check out the video below where Wellesley and Sir Tom dive into many more interesting facts about the fruit.
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References & Sources For Benefits Of The Santol Fruit
- Santol Fruit. (n.d.). https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Santol_Fruit_11159.php#:~:text=Santol%20fruits%20are%20a%20source,that%20strengthens%20the%20immune%20system
- Sharma, P. (2024, April 24). Santol Fruit/Cotton Fruit: Health, Wellness Benefits, Nutrition And Recipe Inside. Netmeds. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/santol-fruit-cotton-fruit-health-wellness-benefits-nutrition-and-recipe-inside?srsltid=AfmBOopYakrKhtgW6gWBMudUTR365wXjhIxzgZZ4kCyDCoRIYNt1dc88
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