What is Tamarillo?
Tamarillo is aboriginal to South America. Tamarillo, also known as “Tree Tomato”, is now cultivated in many parts of the world. One of the largest producers of tamarillo is New Zealand. The name was revised to differentiate it from the ordinary tomatoes, thus emphasising on its exotic variety.
- Nutrients’ rich fruit
Tamarillo is packed with vitamins A, C, E and pro-vitamin A. It has a good source of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin. Other nutrients in tamarillo are carbohydrates, protein, fat, calcium, potassium and sodium. It also contains minerals such as, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron. It is fortified with many nutrients that help improve the immune system (1) .
- Aids Weight Loss
It is beneficial for people who want to lose weight. Consumed raw, sprinkled with herbs or in the form of salads, the juice of tamarillo acts as a detoxifier when consumed. Its acidic properties help cut down fat. Exercising, in addition, can accelerate the results of weight loss.
- Good For Skin
Tamarillo offers vitamins A, C and E to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant. Anthocyanin, phenols and flavonoids protect the skin from oxidative stress, pollution. Tamarillo also helps in anti-aging. Just as regular tomatoes, these can be used in home remedies for various skin problems.
- Helps Control Diabetes
The chlorogenic acid present in tamarillo helps lower blood sugar levels in type-II diabetes mellitus. Tamarillo contains excellent antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress in organs such as the pancreas and the liver. Eating the pulp of tamarillo, or consuming its juice on a light stomach would ensure better results.
- Cures Inflamed Tonsils
In Ecuador, the natives warmed tamarillo leaves and wrapped them around the neck to treat inflamed tonsils. The absorption of heat via leaves helps reduce pain. The Columbians make a poultice of the fruit by cooking it in embers for external medicinal use.
- Treats High Blood Pressure
Increase your tamarillo intake to lower the levels of high blood pressure. Loaded with good sources of minerals and potassium, this fruit helps control blood pressure .
- Good For Heart
Potassium, a nutrient abundantly present in tamarillo, helps to balance the harmful effects of high sodium levels in the heart. It provides magnesium for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Also, tamarillo contains high fiber content that helps restrain absorption of bad cholesterol in the body. Due to its excellent antioxidant properties, it helps reduce oxidative stress that may otherwise lead to stroke (2) .
- Eyesight
Tamarillo fruits are also very good for maintaining healthy eyesight . Vitamin A restores the moisture of the membranes of the eyes which act as a barrier to bacteria and viruses. It protects the eyes from infections, and reduces the damage of eye disorders such as cataract (3) and macular degeneration.
- Cancer
Anthocyanins contained in the darker tamarillo have potent antioxidants, which help combat free radicals that cause cancer. They also have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that stave off cancerous outbreaks.