Cītrus māxima, or 10 reasons to love pomelo

The pomelo has come to us from Malaysia, but it is also cultivated in China, Vietbam, Thailand and Indonesia. In China it is respected so much that it is used for rituals, while giving a pomelo as a New Year’s present means wishing prosperity, luck and well-being. While this fruit was known around the year 100 B.C. among Asian people, the Europeans would discover it only in the 14th century, when English sailor Shaddock brought the seeds of this wonderful plant to West India, naming it after himself

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/hirokiyamamotophotos/4168196

There are different varieties of pomelo distinguished by color, shape and size. Some varieties have white pulp, other have it yellow or even pink. Despite of resembling a grapefruit by its appearance and structure, its pulp is sweeter, and its divisions are not so bitter. It can be consumed fresh as well as processed.

High percentage of fiber in pomelo fruits works good for digestive system, providing 25% of daily norm of dietary fibes and stimulating the mobility in the digestive tract. The fiber also stimulates the secretion of the gastric juice, boosting the process of complex protein decomposition. In addition, the fibrous structure of the fruits helps to get satiated and, making the pomelo a preferred ingredient in any diet.

Pomelo, like other citric fruit, contains much vitamin С, which plays important role in powering up the immune system. Eating this fruit regularly, but moderately, can help to fight cold, virus or bacterial infections.

The vitamin С also helps to assimilate better the iron, so it is highly recommended for those who have anemia.

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/schizzow/2543636082/

These are not the only benefits of the vitamin С. The antioxidants which pomelo contains help to produce collagen and to regenerate fibers, while the protein speeds up healing the wounds and replacing the damaged fibers.

Spermidin in pomelo protects the cells from aging, fights free radicals which cause wrinkles and pigment spots.

The pomelo is also good for hair beauty. High content of zinc, vitamin B1 and other nutrients enhance the condition of hair and head skin, preventing hair thinning and dandruff.

As pomelo is a source of potassium, it boosts the blood circulation and enriches the cells with oxygen. The products with high potassium widens the blood vessels and lowers their tension.
The potassium also lowers the cholesterol in blood.

In addition to potassium, the pomelo is rich with calcium, sodium and magnesium – the elements which strengthen the bones and relieve the muscle pain.

Considering that the pomelo regulates the blood pressure and cholesterol level, it is no surprise that it shows positive impact on the hearth health.

Winter is the best time to consume citrics, add it to salads and drinks.