The Nutritious and Health Benefits of the Spondias purpurea or Brazilian Jacote Fruit

Spondias purpurea, also known as Brazilian Jacote fruit is abundantly found in Brazil. The fruits are red, yellow, or orange in color and range up to 5.5 cm in length, and weigh around 12 to 28 grams.^{(1, 2)} Now, there is also a growing popularity of the fruit in the United States. The Spondias purpurea fruit is sweet to taste and is extremely healthy.

Spondias purpurea is known by various names, such as Brazilian plum, Seriguela, Chile plum, Ciruela, Ovo, Scarlet plum, Purple jobo, Purple plum, Red mombin, and Purple mombin. This can be eaten fresh or can be cooked to make sugar syrup.

Read further to know about the benefits of Spondias purpurea.

One serving of Spondias purpurea (100 grams) comprises a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, antioxidants, amino acids, Carotene, and some of the following nutrients.

Protein: 0.096 to 0.261 grams

Fiber: 0.2 to 0..6 grams

Fat: 0.03 to 0.17 grams

Calcium: 6 mg to 24 mg

Phosphorous: 32 to 56 mg

Iron: 0.09 to 1.22 mg

Ascorbic Acid: 26 mg to 73 mg

Vitamin B12: 19% of the RDI

1. Strengthens Immune System

   Spondias purpurea or Brazilian Jacote fruit contains fair content of iron and other nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, phosphorous, and calcium, all of which make the fruit an essential source for strengthening your immune system. The fruit can also be taken by dengue patients to treat the disease.

2. Helps In Weight Loss

   One of the most amazing benefits of Spondias purpurea is that the fruit consists of a large amount of fiber and is thus beneficial in weight loss. Fibers encourage a sensation of satiety and thus, you do not feel hungry too often. Apart from this, every 100 grams of the fruit consists of just 76 calories, and it is rich in vitamins and many other important nutrients.

3. Good For Digestion

   Spondias purpurea comprises a fair amount of fibers in it and helps in proper bowel functioning and improving digestion.

   In folk medicine, several parts of this plant are used for treating gastric disorders, like antidiarrheals and as diuretics.^{(1, 3, 4)}

4. Provides Enough Of Energy

   The fruit is also known to provide enough energy because of the rich presence of carbohydrates and iron. Athletes and sportsmen must eat Spondias purpurea to recover from fatigue and gain the required amount of energy instantly.

5. Helps Against Anemia

   Spondias purpurea contains a rich amount of iron content and thus consuming it regularly can prevent anemia. If left untreated, anemia can become deadly.

6. Helps In The Proper Functioning Of The Body

   This exotic Brazilian fruit is packed with antioxidants that prevent the action of free radicals which can degenerate the cells of your body and facilitate premature aging and entry of diseases. However, consuming Spondias purpurea regularly helps in the proper functioning of the body.

7. Relieves Spasms

   Great amounts of vitamins, calcium, and potassium are present in Spondias purpurea which are all essential nutrients required for our bodies to reduce spasms that occur due to a deficiency in these mineral salts. The fruit is antispasmodic and diuretic and is also commonly used as an antihistamine.⁽⁵⁾

8. They Have Wound Healing Properties

   Spondias purpurea has a great wound-healing ability. The cicatrizant effects shown in Serigula make it an amazing food for healing wounds and burns.

Though the Spondias purpurea (Brazilian Jacote fruit) is loaded with essential nutrients and offers great health benefits to mankind, some caution should be maintained while consuming it. Pregnant women and individuals who are allergic to aspirin must avoid eating this fruit. There is an oil known as “urushiol” present in Spondias purpurea, which can cause an allergic skin rash. Some people also complain about having stomach pain after eating the fruit on an empty stomach. So, precautions should be maintained.

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