Seasonal Tropical Fruits Are Healthy

By Sakini Mohd Said KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 26 (Benama) -- Malaysia is rich in tropical fruits like durians, mangosteens, rambutans, dukus and langsats. However, many people believe that consuming a large quantity of these fruits may lead to health problems. Is it true? Some people believe that imported fruits (like apples and grapes) are more nutritious than local fruits. These are the results of a study conducted by the Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (Mardi). SEASONAL FRUITS "I do not believe that consuming seasonal tropical fruits like durians and mangosteens can lead to health problems. In fact, these fruits are unique, tasty and nutritious. "Unfortunately, some people believe that imported fruits are more nutritious. This is not true," said Mardi's Deputy Director (Horticulture Research Centre), Dr Zabedah Mahmood. Speaking to Bernama, the senior principal research officer said there should be greater awareness among the public with regard to the nutritional value of local fruits. "In reality, local fruits are more nutritious. Hence, there should be greater awareness among the public with regard to the nutritional value of local fruits," she said. "Furthermore, local fruits are cheaper than imported fruits," she said. VITAMINS Dr Zabedah said local seasonal fruits are rich in vitamins because they are fresh. "People can purchase local fruits, which are fresh. Imported fruits are not as fresh as local fruits because imported fruits are stored in containers. Hence, the nutritional value of imported fruits is lower," she said. For example, the amount of vitamin C in a rambutan is higher as compared to the amount of vitamin C in an apple. Dr Zabedah said a rambutan and a pulasan have 70mg/100g (vitamin C). On the other hand, an apple has only 6.0 mg/100g (vitamin C). Vitamin C boosts an individual’s immunity system and reduces flu-like symptoms. DURIANS "Rambutans and pulasans have high water content (more than 80 per cent). Their protein content is about 0.5-0.8 percent and their fat content is about 0.3-0.55 per cent," she said. Even other tropical fruits such as durians have a high nutritional value. Many people do not know that durians are high in potassium, which is good for the heart. Dr Zabedah said a durian has 1060mg of potassium, apart from vitamin C and other minerals. "The flesh of a durian contains fibre, which is good for digestion. It also reduces constipation," she said. MANGOSTEENS Dr Zabedah said mangosteens are popular because they have a high nutritional value. Not only does the fruit's flesh have a high nutritional value but its skin also has medicinal properties. "The skin of a mangosteen is useful, and there is a firm which purchases the skin of mangosteens from Mardi so that it can be processed into health products. "There are companies that purchase mangosteens directly from orchards. Hence, it is difficult to find these fruits at a local market these days. The price of mangosteens is pretty high," she said. According to Dr David A. Morton (from the University of Utah, United States), the skin of a mangosteen is rich in anti-oxidants. People believe that these anti-oxidants can prevent calculi and cancer. Anti-oxidants can also lower a person’s cholesterol level. CONSUMPTION OF LOCAL FRUITS Why do people have health problems (cough and fever) after consuming local seasonal fruits? Dr Zabedah said some people have health problems after consuming local seasonal fruits because they do not consume the fruits in the correct manner. She said some people consume fruits in large quantities at one time. "Consumption of local fruits does not result in illnesses. It is dependent on how we consume them. We should consume fruits at a moderate level to reap the nutritional value," she said. FRUITS THAT GENERATE HEAT Dr Zabedah said durians generate heat in a person’s body. "Avoid eating durians on an empty stomach. Do not eat durians before going to bed. Also, do not eat durians after consuming carbonated drinks. It is good to consume mangosteens after eating durians as mangosteens cool the body," she explained. As for rambutans, she said the inner skin that is stuck to the flesh should not be consumed as it can lead to excessive coughing. Local seasonal fruits are the nation's treasures, and they are popular among many tourists. "We should be proud of the local fruits," she added. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA