Pomelo fruit or Chakotra are citrus fruits native to Southeast Asia and are the largest fruit in the citrus family. Moreover, they can be as big as the size of a volleyball. Their scientific name is Citrus decumana, and they the ancestors of grapefruit. Many people confuse pomelo fruit (Chakotra) with grapefruit, but originally grapefruit is the hybrid of Pomelo and sweet orange.
Traditionally, its use to treat gastrointestinal problems, cough, and fever. Pomelos are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals. They’ll help in boosting immunity, improving digestive health, and maintaining weight.
SIZE– Pomelo fruits are teardrop-shaped and weigh up to twenty pounds.
TASTE- Pomelo fruits taste sweeter than grapefruit. They’re very juicy and tangy, like tangerine.
ORIGIN- They’re believed to be originated in China around 100 BC.
PULP- The pulp inside Pomelo fruit comes in an exceedingly sort of colors, starting from yellow to pink to red.
SEASONS- Pomelos are all-season fruit, but the best months to buy pomelo fruits is from December to February. They are often exported from China, South Africa, Vietnam, Thailand.
The nutritional value of Pomelo per 100 gm:
It is very rich in vitamin C, minerals and and antioxidants. Also, it is rich in other vitamins and nutrients, potassium and fiber. Some of its benefits are below-
1. Pomelo Fruit Helps In Digestion
One peeled Pomelo fruit is having 6 gm of fiber in it. An average human needs about 20-25 gm of fiber in a day. So it helps a lot in reaching your daily fiber needs that results in good digestion and prevents constipation. It also improves gut health and decreased the risk of some chronic diseases.
2. Chakotra Is Rich In Anti-Oxidants
Anti-Oxidants are very useful in daily requirements. It helps in reducing the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Because it is very high in vitamin C, therefore it is a significant antioxidant. The type of anti-oxidant found in Pomelo is anti-inflammatory and usually found in tomatoes.
3. Pomelo Fruit Helps Maintain Weight
Pomelo contains fiber, so it helps to stay fuller for longer. It results in reduced appetite and less calorie intake throughout the day. It also has fewer calories in it. Also, it boosts your metabolism and helps the body burn calories faster
4. Chakotra May Support Heart Health:
Consuming Pomelo fruit may be beneficial to the heart and reduces bad cholesterol. A study proves that it reduces harmful fat from the bloodstream. But we need more research to prove it.
5. Pomelo Fruit May have anti-aging characteristics
Due to the presence of high antioxidants, it may show anti-aging properties. Because it contains many antioxidants, vitamin C can protect the skin from many harmful agents and keep skin young and bright. Pomelo fruit also lowers the high sugar levels which cause skin discoloration and other problems.
6. Chakotra may be anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
Pomelo fruit also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. A study shows the oils produced through the peel of pomelo are very medicinal. It also slows down the growth of bacteria. It also shows that it can kill a specific type of fungus. It may have these properties but, it needs more research to prove that.
7. Pomelo Fruit May Prevent Cramping
Drinking pomelo juice may provide your body with the fluids and electrolytes needed to forestall muscle cramps. As, cramps occur because of the deficiency of fluids, dehydration, and lack of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Also, pomelo fruits are a great source of potassium. Thus, helping in the prevention of cramps.
8. Chakotra May Improve Hair Health
Pomelos are a rich source of minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamins A, B6, B12, and E. These nutrients and minerals help in strengthening the hair follicles, assuring good hair health. Also, it helps in removing the harmful free radicals that cause weak and brittle hair.
9. Pomelo May Help Manage Diabetes
Pomelo may help in managing diabetes. A study conducted on 20 people with diabetes found that though pomelo has a high glycemic index (Gi), it can serve low glycemic load (GL) fruit if consumed in limited amounts. Thus, it’s going to help in maintaining blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.
10. Chakotra May Regulate Blood Pressure
Pomelo fruit is rich in potassium, which is a vital nutrient in regulating pressure. Also, Potassium acts as a vasodilator that prevents the muscles from tightening and the walls from narrowing. Thus, resulting in the smooth flow of blood through the blood vessels. Drinking pomelo juice and eating pomelo at midnight time helps keep your pressure under control and prevents hypertension.