The benefits of srikaya for health are very diverse. Several types of substances and nutrients contained in the fruit, leaves, seeds, and stems of the sugar apple plant are believed to have a good effect on health look after health and prevent disease.
Srikaya is a type of fruit that grows in tropical and subtropical areas, including Indonesia. Natural extracts from the fruit, leaves, and skin are widely used for various purposes, such as in the food and cosmetic industry to as herbal medicine.
Srikaya fruit which has a sweet taste is often consumed directly but can also be used as fruit juice. A srikaya contains about 60-100 calories and a variety of nutrients, including:
- Carbohydrate.
- Proteins.
- Fiber.
- Vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin B.
- Minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.
In addition to the nutrients above, srikaya fruit also contains abundant antioxidants. Types of antioxidants that are widely contained in srikaya fruit are polyphenols.
What are the Benefits of Srikaya Fruit?
Because it has many nutrients, srikaya fruit is believed to have several health benefits, including:
1. Maintain a healthy digestive system
Srikaya is a good source of fiber for a healthy digestive system. By consuming fiber regularly, the body will avoid various types of digestive problems, one of which is diarrhea.
In addition, the antioxidant content and complex carbohydrates in srikaya also make this fruit useful for maintaining the growth of good bacteria in the intestines.
2. Increase endurance
Because it contains a lot of polyphenolic antioxidants and vitamin C, srikaya fruit is useful for maintaining the immune system. With a strong immune system, the body will be stronger against infection, so it is not easy to fall ill.
3. Reduces the risk of cancer
When free radicals accumulate, the body will easily experience cell damage and inflammation. Over time this can increase the risk of various diseases, and one of them is cancer. To reduce free radicals, the body needs adequate intake of antioxidants.
One way to get antioxidants is to eat foods rich in antioxidants, including srikaya fruit.
4. Prevent cardiovascular disease
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessels), such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
The benefits of srikaya to prevent cardiovascular disease is to prevent hypertension. This effect is thought to be due to the content of potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, and fiber in srikaya fruit.
5. Keep blood sugar stable
Srikaya fruit has a medium glycemic index value. That is, the benefits of srikaya can prevent increasing blood sugar.
Several studies have also shown that srikaya leaf extract is also able to maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce the dose of insulin used. Therefore, srikaya fruit is still good to be consumed by diabetics.
6. Get rid of head lice and dandruff
Several studies have shown that srikaya seed extract applied together with coconut oil appears to be effective in treating head lice and dandruff. However, its use must be careful and do not get it in the eyes because it can cause irritation and eye damage. When exposed to the eyes, srikaya seed extract has the potential to cause keratitis.
In addition to the various benefits above, the benefits of sugar apple consumed in the form of supplements are also thought to help relieve inflammation and pain, as well as maintain eye health.
Although rich in benefits, srikaya fruit should also be consumed with caution. Almost all parts of the sugar apple plant contain a toxic compound called annonain, but the greatest number is found in the seeds and skin.
Some research suggests that these substances can increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, make sure the seeds and skin of the srikaya are removed before you eat them directly.
Some of the benefits of srikaya above you can get if you eat it as part of a balanced nutritious diet accompanied by a healthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of srikaya as an herbal medicine is doubtful because there are no adequate research results to confirm these claims.
If you are undergoing certain medications or suffering from an illness and want to make srikaya a part of your daily menu, you should first consult with your doctor. The goal is to make sure this fruit does not affect medication and is safe for you to consume.