Rambutan is a seasonal fruit. With the start of the rainy season in April stimulating flowering, it gradually ripens in July and August. The tree, cultivated in humid tropical countries like Africa, southern Mexico, India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, etc., South Kanara, the coastal belt of Karnataka is also widely known for Rambutan orchards.
The Rambutan fruit has a short shelf-life and they are non-climacteric fruit viz. they ripen only on the tree and appear not to produce a ripening agent such as the plant hormone, ethylene, after being harvested.
The pleasant fragrance of the rambutan fruit derives from numerous volatile organic compounds. As an unpigmented fruit flesh, rambutan does not contain significant polyphenol bioactive compounds having antioxidant potential. It may boost the functioning of several biological processes.
It is one of those fruits with high antioxidant content that fights the free radicals and prevents any ailment that they might cause. These antioxidants can fight inflammation and protect the cells in the body from getting affected. These include cancer, inflammation, and even heart disease. Its sweet taste relieves nausea and dizziness. The fruit contains saponin which helps in killing intestinal parasites and keeps your gut healthy and optimizes digestion. It exhibits antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and antiseptic properties.
Rambutan fruit contains diverse nutrients, offering many health benefits. The abundance of certain nutrients and the delectable taste make this fruit a must-have on one’s plate.
Rambutan facts: Health benefits and Nutritive value
| Proximates | Nutritive Value per 100g | 1 fruit (9 gms) | Benefits |
| Energy (K cals) | 82 | 7 | Instant energy boosters |
| Carbohydrates (gms) | 20.87 | 1.88 | Natural sugars such as sucrose, fructose and glucose – easily absorbed by the body |
| Fiber (gms) | 2 | 0.1 | Increases in bile production and hormones. Aids in food metabolism, preventing constipation. Benefitting digestive health gut. |
| Vitamin B3 (mg) | 1.352 | 0.2 | Helps heart attack prevention therapy and lower cholesterol levels. |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 4.9 | 0.4 | Protects the body against numerous infections. The fruit accelerates wound healing and also prevents pus formation. Helpful for chapped lips, sore throat. Neutralizes the harmful free radicals and offers protection against different forms of cancer. Aids collagen production and also acts as an antioxidant that damages the free radicals. All of this keeps your skin healthy and young for a long time. |
| Calcium (mg) | 22 | 2 | Maintaining heart rhythm, building strong bones |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 9 | 1 | Increases bone mass and strength |
| Iron (mg) | 0.35 | 0.03 | Improves the maintenance and the production of red blood cells and blood vessels |
| Magnesium (mg) | 7 | 1 | Required in muscle and nerve function, and energy production. Also helps in secretion and action of insulin |
| Manganese (mg) | 16 | 1.4 | Helps in the formation and maintenance of bones and connective tissue. Helps in the absorption of calcium. Produces and activates enzymes |
| Potassium (mg) | 42 | 4 | Improves the oxygenated blood circulation |
| Copper (mg) | 1.8 | 0.1 | Helps is growth and maintenance of various cells i.e., bones, brain, and heart |
| Water | 78.04 | 7.02 | Prevents dehydration and used as poultice to treat headaches. Ideal for athletes and sportspersons |
Contributed by
Dr. Archana Prabat, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition, Alva’s College, Moodabidri
