Fruits are delicious, juicy, drool-worthy, and packed with health benefits. But what comes to mind when we talk about fruits? We're sure it must be mango, banana, orange, or grapes. It could even be papaya or a melon for some. But did you know that there are many fruits grown in India that never make it to the fruit section of our refrigerators?
So, let's take a look at some fruits that are both unique and exotic, as well as nourishing to your health.
Star Fruit
Believe us when we say that the fruit tastes just as exotic as it sounds. Star fruit gets its name from its multi-angular shape, which resembles a star. This unusually shaped but beautifully coloured fruit is extremely sour to taste and is not for everyone. People who have a sweet tooth will find it a little too overpowering. Those who drool at the mention of tamarind and raw mango, on the other hand, would devour this one. Because of the shape of the fruit, you may have difficulty determining where to begin eating it. The good news is that this is a low-maintenance fruit in terms of edibility. You don't have to spend time peeling and chopping them before eating them.
Benefits
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The fruit is low in calories, which is great, but it is also high in antioxidants and vitamins, which are essential for your health.
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The star fruit is high in fibre, which is essential for maintaining digestive tract health.
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Star fruit is also high in vitamin C, which is a powerful natural antioxidant. Vitamin C, also known as the immunity vitamin, helps to build our resistance to diseases and makes us more resistant to infections.
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They contain antioxidants known as polyphenolic flavonoids. These aid in the removal of oxygen-derived free radicals from the body. This aids in the prevention of any lifestyle issues.
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It is also a good source of vitamin B, from folate to riboflavin, which helps to strengthen the outer metabolism and improves various other synthetic functions in our body.
Jungali Jalebi Or Sweet Tamarind
Although the name sounds like a peppy item number from a raunchy Bollywood film, it is actually a fruit named after the shape of the quintessential Indian desert, jalebi.
The flavour of the fruit is tart and sweet. It is also known as sweet tamarind. It contains a plethora of health-related goodies that stand in stark contrast to the sweet jalebi.
Benefits
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The fruit is high in Vitamin E, which helps to slow the ageing process of your skin. It may not completely prevent it, but it does reduce the signs of ageing.
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Vitamins B1, B2, and B3 are also present. This vitamin aids in the reduction of cholesterol and the nourishment of the nerves and brain.
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It contains a high concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and iron, which helps to keep the bones healthy and contributes to the development of inner strength, which prevents fatigue and keeps you going.
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The fruit also has anti-diabetic properties. This aids in lowering blood glucose levels. Despite its sweetness, it is a fruit that diabetics can consume, whereas they usually have to test their patience whenever a delicious sweet fruit is served to them.
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The fruit also has anti-ulcer and anti-diarrheal properties.
Phalse
Phalse, pronounced Phal-sey, are what a layman would call mini jamuns, but the only thing they have in common is their purplish-blackish colour. These are smaller than regular jamuns and, while they contain a seed, it is edible, unlike the seed of a jamun, which must be discarded once the fruit is eaten.
The phalse are best eaten with black salt sprinkled on top for a tangy flavour. During the summer, these are also available for a limited time. So, if you see them on the shelves of a store or at a fruit market, make sure you buy them right away because you might have to wait a whole year before you see them again.
Benefits
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The fruit has numerous advantages. They have traditionally been used to treat urinary tract infections.
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Phalse juice can be used to treat stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Other stomach problems, such as sour burping, and respiratory problems, such as hiccups, can be alleviated by drinking a glass of warm phalsey juice mixed with ginger. It also helps with burning eyes, urine, and chest problems.
Buddha’s Hands
The fruit has an exotic appearance and is named after the hand it resembles. But why Buddha in particular? It is because it is grown in areas populated primarily by Buddha followers. These bright yellow fruits, which are very aromatic, are not commonly found in supermarkets. These are grown in northern India and are a rarity in the rest of the country. However, there are numerous reasons to give these a shot.
Benefits
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Buddha's hands can alleviate pains ranging from menstrual cramps to gastrointestinal issues.
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The fruit is excellent at reducing inflammation in the stomach lining and lowering the risk of inflammation progressing to something more serious, such as an ulcer. It rather relaxes the intestinal muscles, allowing normal digestion and excretion.
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They are also thought to help heal wounds and pains from injuries, as well as treat bruise discoloration.
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The fruit also aids in the prevention of respiratory problems. It acts as an expectorant, allowing you to cough up all the phlegm that is causing you to croak like a frog.
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This hand-shaped fruit with an aromatic touch soothes inflammation and even protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.
Ambarella Or Indian Hog Plum
This is also known as wild mango, but it has nothing in common with the king of fruits. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. Unlike the mango, this one is a little acidic to taste and has a mild and faded sweetness to it, similar to that of a pineapple.
Benefits
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The fruit is high in vitamin C and a natural antioxidant. It aids in the production of collagen, which helps to maintain the health of the skin, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. In addition, vitamin C helps to boost immunity.
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The iron content of the fruit aids in the production of haemoglobin and myoglobin. Some studies also suggest that the fruit may help protect against heart disease.
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It treats headaches, diabetes, and constipation.
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It is also useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections, haemorrhoids, and hypertension.
So, the next time you're at the fruit market, try to explore and look for different fruits and make it part of your diet.
