Lontar fruit can be eaten directly or processed into various dishes. This white fruit that resembles sugar palm also has many health benefits, thanks to the myriad of nutrients it contains. Lontar fruit is the result of the Palmyra palm, which is a lontar tree plant that is widely found in East Nusa Tenggara. Freshly harvested lontar fruit is protected in a round shell with a diameter of about 10-15 centimeters. This shell layer is quite thick, hard, and blackish purple. After the shell is opened, you will find lontar fruit that at first glance looks like sugar palm. However, lontar fruit contains water in it. In addition, the size of the lontar fruit is larger, the texture is more chewy, and the taste tends to be sour and sweet compared to sugar palm.
Nutritional Content of Lontar Fruit
In 100 grams of lontar fruit there are around 27 calories and several other nutrients, such as:
- Water 93 grams.
- Protein 0.4 grams.
- Fat 0.2 grams.
- Carbohydrate 6 grams.
- Fiber 1.6 grams.
- Calcium 90 milligrams.
- Phosphorus 243 milligrams.
In addition, lontar fruit is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Various Benefits of Lontar Fruit
Judging from the various nutritional contents in it, it is no wonder that consuming lontar fruit can bring many benefits to the body. Here are some of the benefits of lontar fruit and their explanations:
- Keeping the body hydrated
Because of its high water content, lontar fruit can be consumed to quench thirst when the temperature is hot. In addition to being refreshing, consuming lontar fruit will also restore minerals and nutrients lost when the body sweats a lot, such as after exercising. So, if you are bored with watermelon, melon, orange, or other high-water fruits that are often found, lontar fruit can be the right choice of variation.
- Strengthens the immune system
Lontar fruit is also useful in increasing the body’s immunity. This benefit is obtained thanks to the content of vitamin C and antioxidants in it which play a role in fighting free radicals. That way, the body becomes strong and protected from various diseases and infections.
- Relieve constipation and bloating
According to a study, consuming lontar fruit can overcome digestive disorders, such as constipation and bloating. This is thanks to the fiber content and other nutrients that have antimicrobial effects in lontar fruit. These nutrients will stimulate bowel movements so that bowel movements become smooth.
- Keeping bones and teeth strong
Lontar fruit is rich in phosphorus. Although the body needs it in small amounts, which is around 700 grams per day, this mineral is almost as important as calcium. Fulfilling the need for phosphorus in the body can keep bones and teeth strong and dense.
Apart from lontar fruit, you can also meet your daily phosphorus intake by consuming beef, fish, eggs and potatoes.
Serving Tips for Lontar Fruit
Ripe lontar fruit usually tastes sweet and refreshing when eaten directly. Not only that, lontar fruit can also be added to various types of dishes, such as fruit soup, ice cream, jelly, jam, and yogurt. This fruit can even be fermented to make alcoholic drinks. If you want to buy lontar fruit, choose one with a blackish shell. This indicates that the lontar fruit is ripe. Avoid choosing lontar fruit with a green shell because it means it is not ripe.
Although it has various health benefits, it is best to consume lontar fruit in moderation in a day, not excessively. In addition, to ensure that daily nutritional needs are met, consume a variety of other fruit choices, such as longan, grapes, apples, or pears. Not only can lontar fruit be eaten, all parts of the lontar tree can also be used. The roots of the lontar tree have long been used as an antiparasitic drug and a medicine for respiratory disorders, while lontar leaves are believed to be able to control cholesterol levels in the blood. However, the leaves and roots of the lontar plant cannot be used as a substitute for medicine from a doctor, okay.
If you have a disease or certain health conditions, especially if you are undergoing treatment, always consult a doctor first before using the palm fruit or other parts of the palm tree. This is to prevent unwanted interactions and side effects.
