A doctor has named the top 5 exotic fruits worth including in your diet

What we will tell you about

Mango: useful properties

The benefits of this exotic fruit are primarily in the high fiber content. This is prebiotic fiber, necessary for the normal operation of the microbiota. The fruit also contains sugars, but due to the large number of complex carbohydrates, they are not so quickly absorbed.

In addition to fiber, mango is rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamin E and mangiferin. The latter improves blood lipid profile, reduces free radicals and chronic inflammation in the body.

Vitamin C contained in the product strengthens blood vessels, increases their elasticity and accelerates recovery.

Vitamin B6 normalizes sleep and improves mood. It also helps the body to produce collagen, which has a positive effect on the structure of hair. Vitamin A prolongs the youthfulness of the skin. Mango reduces symptoms of toxicosis and heartburn during pregnancy.

Contraindications

The use of mango should be limited to patients with a history of diabetes, because it has a lot of sugar (one medium-sized fruit contains about 14.8 g).

The same applies to people with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). Fiber in the fruit stimulates intestinal peristalsis and in combination with other carbohydrates causes fermentation, especially if the balance of intestinal flora is disturbed or there is a tendency to liquid stools.

Unripe fruit irritates the gastric mucosa, which provokes the appearance of colic and gastritis. A large amount of fruit eaten can cause fever or constipation. Organic acids and sugars negatively affect the already inflamed pancreas.

Mango belongs to the Anacardia family along with nuts such as cashews and pistachios. Therefore, it can cause allergies. It contains urushiol, an organic oily mixture of toxins that provoke rashes and redness on the skin.

How is mango used in cosmetology?

Most often, various masks are made from the fruit – both for the skin and hair. Mango oil is very popular, as it is considered a natural cosmetic agent without the addition of chemicals. It has anti-inflammatory, soothing and regenerating effect. Well moisturizes the skin, and also protects it from ultraviolet light. Therefore, it is recommended for problem skin.

Cosmetic remedy removes puffiness of the face, bags under the eyes. Excellent for fighting wrinkles. Effective in the elimination of stretch marks, as it can improve the flow of lymph, accelerate blood circulation and saturate the cells with oxygen.

What to prepare from mango?

This is one of the popular components of various desserts – jams, mousses, smoothies.

Mango mousse

Ingredients:

• mango – 1 pc;
• water – 1/2 cup;
• gelatin – 1 bag;
• eggs – 2 pcs.

Preparation:

1. Wash, peel the mango. Cut the pulp into medium sized pieces and beat with a blender.
2. Add half a cup of water and whisk to a homogeneous mass.
3. Pour gelatin with water in a bowl and wait until it swells.
4. Then add it to the mango mixture.
5. Whisk the whites until white foam forms and mix with the main mixture.
6. Spread the mousse into small containers and cover with food wrap. Place in the refrigerator and leave for eight hours.

Pudding

Ingredients:

• coconut milk – 100 g;
• chia seeds – 2 tbsp;
• mango – 1 pc;
• Greek yogurt – 2 tbsp.

Preparation:

1. Mix the milk and chia seeds. Allow to infuse for 20 minutes.
2. Cut half of the mango into small pieces, and the second part of the mango, beat in a blender.
3. Assemble the pudding: milk with chia seeds on the bottom, then – puree, pieces of fruit and the last layer put yogurt.

Pomegranate: useful properties

In ancient Rome, this fruit was called a grainy apple.

Pomegranate has many useful properties. It is considered a good source of iron, vitamin C and B vitamins. This fruit has an anti-inflammatory and antitumor effect. It also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular, genitourinary and endocrine systems.

This fruit has a lot of vitamins C, P, B6 and B12, strengthening the immune system and nervous system. There are also a lot of acids and tannins in the composition. Therefore, this fruit can be consumed as a prevention of poisoning.

Pomegranate juice is rich in potassium, magnesium and copper. These trace elements are involved in protein metabolism, help to digest iron. They affect the tone of blood vessels and are necessary for the normal function of the heart muscle.

Vitamins B6 and B12 have a positive effect on the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. Organic acids help speed up metabolism, take part in cellular respiration.

Contraindications

Pomegranate is a fruit with a fairly high content of sugars (in 100 g about 14 g of sugar). Therefore, people with diabetes and obesity should be more careful with ripe fruits.

Well-chewed pomegranate seeds are a source of probiotic fiber, but their large amount can cause stomach upset.

Pomegranate has astringent properties, so it is not recommended for people with chronic constipation. If a person has a tendency to liquid stools, then the fruit can cause irritation of the intestines.

Polyphenyl Punicalagin, contained in the juice and rind, has more pronounced antioxidant activity than green tea and red wine. This reduces free radicals, decreases oxidative stress and reduces systemic chronic inflammation in the body.

How is it used in cosmetology?

Pomegranate peel is often used to make cosmetic products that have a whitening effect. Also, the components of the fruit are included in creams, toners and masks for dry and inflamed skin.

Organic acids well cleanse the skin from keratinized particles, and vitamins and minerals in the composition perfectly nourish the deep layers of the epidermis.

Pomegranate acid stimulates the production of collagen, important for the elasticity of the epidermis. It also helps to reduce the risk of destruction of existing collagen fibers.

Masks with this fruit make the skin velvety, smooth, protect against flaking and rashes.

What to cook?

Pomegranate is often decorated with dishes, in particular salads. However, there are other interesting variants, how to use it.

Pomegranate jam with seeds

Ingredients:

• pomegranate seeds – 1 cup;
• pomegranate juice – 3 cups;
• sugar – 3 cups;
• lemon juice – 1 tbsp.

Preparation:

1. Mix pomegranate juice with sugar.
2. Boil the resulting liquid on medium heat for 30 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and cool down.
4. Repeat this procedure twice.
5. Add the pomegranate seeds and lemon juice to the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes until thickened.
6. Ready jam spread into sterilized jars and close tightly with lids.

Pomegranate sauce “Narsharab”

Ingredients:

• pomegranate – 1 pc;
• pea pepper – to taste;
• coriander – to taste;
• dried basil – to taste;
• salt – to taste.

Preparation:

1. Extract the peppercorns from the fruit.
2. Transfer them to a container and crush thoroughly with a wooden mallet.
3. Pass the resulting mass through a sieve or gauze.
4. Cook the resulting juice on low heat for 30 minutes.
5. Add all the spices to the pot.

Dragon fruit: useful properties

Another popular exotic fruit is dragon fruit or pitahaya. It has a delicate odor reminiscent of jasmine or watermelon.

It has a lot of fiber and is low in calories. For comparison, mango has about 270 calories per 100 grams, and pitahaya has more than four times less – only 63.

This fruit has a lot of antioxidants, polyphenols, lycopene and betacyanins, as well as magnesium. These neutralize free radicals and reduce chronic systemic inflammation in the body.

Dragon fruit is rich in magnesium, iron, vitamin C, E, and carotenoids. It has a beneficial effect on the heart, blood vessels and nervous system, strengthens bones, and keeps sugar levels normal.

Contraindications

Due to its low calorie content (40 kcal) and a small amount of carbohydrates (in 100 g – 13.5 g) dragon fruit can be included in the diet of everyone.

Unlike other exotic fruits, there are no harmful substances in it. However, it is not recommended to consume it in large quantities, as there is a risk of allergic reaction and individual intolerance.

Pregnant women should refuse the product during breastfeeding. Children better assimilate the products of only their own region, and they should not try exotics until they are three years old.

How is it used in cosmetology?

In the composition of pitahaya there is a lot of vitamin C. Antioxidants in it actively fight free radicals, in particular, prevent the appearance of rashes and redness. Therefore, if you have acne and acne, safely choose masks with the elixir of this fruit.

Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin E and beta-carotene, preventing the growth of cells that cause premature aging. The protein and folic acid in the composition of the product help to cleanse the skin of dead cells, making the face radiant and fresh.

What to prepare.

It is added to smoothies, used as an additive for yogurt or salads. This fruit is a frequent ingredient in smoothies.

Pitahaya smoothie

Ingredients:

• banana – 1 pc;
• mango – 1/2 pc;
• dragon fruit – 1 piece;
• apple juice – 200 ml.

Preparation:

1. Wash all the fruits, peel and cut into small pieces.
2. Transfer them to a container, pour apple juice and pass through a blender.

Milkshake

Ingredients:

• pitahaya – 1 pc;
• coconut or almond milk – 400 ml;
• sugar – 3 tbsp.

Preparation:

1. Wash, peel and cut the pulp into small pieces.
2. Make a puree with the help of a blender.
3. Then add cool milk and sugar, whisk for 30 seconds.

Maracuja: useful properties

Maracuja, aka passiflora or granadilla is an exotic fruit, very popular in Thailand.

Both the seeds of passion fruit and the pulp itself are useful. The former occupy half of the entire pulp of the fruit. It has a lot of vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, fat-soluble vitamins, as well as vitamins E and K.

There is no cholesterol in this fruit, but it is high in organic acids, vitamins and fiber. Granadilla is a natural antioxidant, which slows down the aging process, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strengthens the immune system.

It contains a large amount of vitamin A and beta-carotene. They are responsible for maintaining the health of the skin, hair and nails.

Also, the fruit is known for its sedative effect, so it can be consumed in times of stress. Passiflora helps to keep blood pressure normal, reduces pain in migraines, rheumatism and gout. It is recommended for women during menopause.

Passion fruit has a positive effect on the liver and urogenital system. It has a slight diuretic effect, thus removes excess fluid from the body.

The fruit contains soluble fiber, which facilitates the digestion of food, removes toxins and toxins.

Contraindications

It is believed that the use of passion fruit in large quantities is not worth it for people whose work requires high concentration, and drivers. This is fraught with a slight sedative effect.

Also do not eat passiflora to small children and pregnant women because of the high allergenicity of the fetus.

How is it used in cosmetology?

In cosmetology, the pulp of the fruit is very popular. It narrows pores, evens out skin tone, reduces expression lines and reduces hair loss.

Vitamins and minerals contained in passiflora, rejuvenate, tone, nourish the epidermis. Cosmetic products from the fruit are effective for sensitive and fading skin due to oils with a high content of fatty acids. Skin tone is restored due to the antioxidant lycopene and vitamin C.

Substances in passion fruit help normalize the water-lipid balance of the dermis, actively fight against greasy shine and puffiness, enhance the healing and regeneration process.

What to prepare?

Lemonade

Ingredients:

• cucumbers – 150 g;
• ice – 12 pcs;
• mineral water with gas – 250 ml;
• passion fruit pulp – 100 g;
• lemon juice – 30 ml.

Preparation:

1. Wash and peel the cucumber.
2. Blend the cucumber in a blender with lemon juice.
3. Transfer the puree into a glass, add the pulp of passion fruit. Stir.
4. Pour in the mineral water.
5. Add ice cubes.

Passion fruit cookies

Ingredients:

• strawberries – 2 pcs;
• mint – 2 sprigs;
• passion fruit pulp – to taste;
• mascarpone cheese – 100 ml;
• butter – 250 g;
• flour – 50 g;
• egg – 2 pcs;
• gelatin – 1 package;
• powdered sugar – for decoration.

Preparation:

1. For the dough, mix in a large bowl the flour, butter, eggs, powdered sugar.
2. Soak gelatin in water.
3. Wash and cut the passion fruit in half. Remove the pulp with the help of a spoon.
4. Heat the pulp in a saucepan over medium heat, pour in the gelatin and stir thoroughly.
5. Roll out the dough 5 mm thick and put it to bake at 175 degrees for about 10 minutes.
6. Take out the cookies and let them cool down. After that, break them into small pieces.
7. Place the mascarpone cheese in a glass, sprinkle over the broken cookies and top with the passion fruit and gelatin mixture. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes.
8. Garnish with strawberries and mint before serving.

Pineapple: useful properties

Pineapple contains the unique enzyme bromelain, which speeds up the digestion of food (including fatty foods), eliminates discomfort and relieves heaviness in the stomach. Also prevents gas and bloating in the intestines.

Contraindications

Pineapple should be excluded from the diet when taking medications that promote blood thinning, because the fruit enhances their action and increases the risk of bleeding. The same applies to people prone to allergic reactions.

Pregnant women are recommended to consume this fruit very moderately, no more than 150 g per day. It is important that the pineapple was ripe, as it is possible to increase the tone of the uterus when using immature fruit or its juice. Especially in the first trimester.

Also, people with sensitive tooth enamel should not be abused, as the fruit increases the acidity of the oral cavity. After eating, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water.

How is it used in cosmetology?

Cosmetic products, for example, peelings, in the composition of which there are substances of pineapple, positively affect the condition of the epidermis. Thanks to alpha-hydro acids, they contribute to the exfoliation of cells and whitening with redness.

Also the fruit has anti-cellulite, anti-puffiness and anti-inflammatory action. Excellent stimulates microcirculation, increases skin elasticity and visibly narrows pores.

In addition, the fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants, due to which it rejuvenates the skin and increases collagen production.

What to cook?

Pineapple goes well with both main dishes and desserts.

Chicken with pineapple

Ingredients:

• chicken breast – 300-400 g;
• pineapple – 150 g;
• tomatoes – 3 pcs;
• curry – 1-2 tsp;
• ground ginger – 1 tsp;
• onion, garlic – to taste;
• salt – to taste.

Preparation:

1. Cut the chicken, pineapple, tomatoes into small pieces. Chop garlic, finely chop onion.
2. In a pan with ghee oil, add onions and garlic, then tomatoes and cook for about three minutes. Add the curry, ground ginger and pineapple.
3. To the resulting mixture, toss in the chicken pieces, 1/4 cup of water and braise for 7-10 minutes over medium heat. Season with salt to taste.

Pineapple and turmeric smoothie

Ingredients:

• pineapple – 200 g;
• turmeric – 1 tsp;
• peeled lime – 1/2;
• coconut shavings – 1 tbsp;
• water – 150 ml.

Preparation:

1. Mix and whisk all the ingredients in a blender.