Dewandaru fruit contains various important vitamins and minerals. Its benefits range from boosting immunity to being rich in antioxidants. Dewandaru fruit (Eugenia uniflora) or Surinam cherry is a tropical fruit from the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). The tree has a height of up to 25 feet with white flowers. The fruit is small, about 2 to 4 centimeters wide. Each fruit has seven or eight vertical ribs, so it will look like a small pumpkin. As it develops, its color changes from green to orange.
Nutritional Content of Dewandaru Fruit
Dewandaru fruit or pitanga fruit is known by several names, namely Suriname cherry, Brazilian cherry, Florida cherry, or cayenne pepper cherry. It originates from Suriname and several South American countries, such as Guyana, Brazil, and Uruguay.
In 100 grams of dewandaru fruit contains:
- Water: 90.8 grams.
- Calories: 33 kilocalories.
- Energy: 138 kilojoules.
- Protein: 0.8 grams.
- Total lipids (fats): 0.4 grams.
- Carbohydrates: 7.49 grams.
- Calcium: 9 mg.
- Iron: 0.2 mg.
- Magnesium: 12 mg.
- Phosphorus: 11 mg.
- Potassium: 103 mg.
- Sodium: 3 mg.
- Vitamin C: 26.3 mg.
- Thiamine: 0.03 mg.
- Riboflavin: 0.04 mg.
- Niacin: 0.3 mg.
- Vitamin A: 1500 mcg.
Various Benefits of Dewandaru Fruit
Dewandaru fruit also has antioxidants and vitamin C. Thanks to some of the good contents above, this fruit has antiseptic, antitumor, astringent and antibacterial properties that can support overall body health. Here are some of the benefits of dewandaru fruit:
- Boosting immunity
Dewandaru fruit contains antioxidants that are rich in essential vitamins, which are important in strengthening the immune system. This content is needed to fight free radicals that can damage body cells. A study entitled Vitamin C and immune function published in Nutrients found that vitamin C works by stimulating neutrophil migration to the site of infection, increasing phagocytosis and oxidant formation, and killing microbes. Thus, vitamin C is needed so that the immune system can increase and maintain an adequate response to pathogens, while avoiding excessive damage to body tissue. In addition to Surinam cherries, there is also a type of fruit that can increase immunity. It’s called passion fruit.
- Improves digestive health
Dewandaru fruit acts as an astringent that can dry secretions. This means that the content is used in the treatment of diarrhea and other digestive diseases. The antiseptic and astringent properties of pitanga fruit will help overcome digestive disorders if consumed regularly. The bark of the plant is used for the treatment of digestive health.
- Improves lung function
Dewandaru fruit has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and lungs. These properties can help reduce respiratory symptoms associated with conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
- Provides additional energy
Vitamin B complex contained in the dewandaru fruit provides the energy needed for the function of the body’s organs. These vitamins work with certain enzymes and prevent deficiencies associated with vitamin B complex deficiency.
- Maintaining blood pressure
Dewandaru fruit has antihypertensive properties. Its properties can reduce high blood pressure and help maintain normal blood flow and adequate to be distributed to the kidneys. The antihypertensive properties contained in this fruit also help in treating high blood pressure and preventing complications of high blood pressure, such as heart attacks, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
- Rich in antioxidants
Finally, dewandaru fruit is rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, gamma-carotene, and rubixanthin which are beneficial for health. Its antioxidant power also helps slow down the signs of premature aging and helps fight the action of free radicals. Consuming this fruit consistently will help prevent free radicals which are the main cause of inflammation in the body.
Those are the benefits of dewandaru fruit that you can get if you consume it regularly. In addition to consuming fruit and other healthy foods, don’t forget the vitamins and supplements needed by your family.
