Can it be possible for a fruit to have a twin? They look almost the same, but they vary in terms of juiciness and taste. If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, it’s the pulasan and rambutan. We’ve already written an article on rambutan, so let’s give the spotlight to the amazing health benefits of pulasan for now. If you want to know more, give this article a read. Enjoy!
What is Pulasan?
Scientifically known as Nephelium mutabile, pulasan belongs to the Blume family of plants. It is actually a tropical fruit closely related to rambutan, and many confuse the two. The term ‘pulasan’ comes from the Malay word ‘pulas’, which means to twist. This is closely related to the Tagalog word ‘pilas’, which means to remove. This is because the fruit is opened by twisting it with both hands.
The pulasan tree is an ornamental tree that grows between 10-15 meters high. Its thrives in humid, tropical regions. In the Malayan area, they say that the tree bears its best fruits after a long and dry season.
Although similar to rambutan, pulasan lack the hair spines. Its flesh is sweet and juicy, but not as juicy as rambutan, and it separates more easily from its seed. Additionally, pulasan seeds are edible raw, giving off an almost almonds-like flavour.
Pulasan is native to the Malayan Peninsula, where wild trees can be found all over Perak. They are abundant in low elevations such as Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in the Philippines.
Nutritional Facts of Pulasan
1 serving (5 pieces) of pulasan has:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 34 |
| Total fat | 0 gram |
| Trans fat | 0 gram |
| Monounsaturated fat | 0 gram |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 0 gram |
| Saturated fat | 0 gram |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligram |
| Protein | 0 gram |
| Sugars | 0 gram |
| Dietary fiber | 0 gram |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8 grams |
| Potassium | 0 milligram |
| Sodium | 0 milligram |
| Iron 0% | Calcium 0% |
| Vitamin C 0% | Vitamin A 0% |
Uses of Pulasan
Thanks to its vitamin C and E content, Pulasan has high levels of antioxidant properties. There carotenoids in the fruit scavenge free radicals. Pulasan makes the skin much softer and is a common ingredient in hair care treatments. In fact, one study confirms that a pulasan smooth helps improve you complexion. The oil of the seeds contains 75% white fats, which are great for creating a fragrance or for using as a hair treatment. Additionally, pulasan can help reduce body fat, making it essential for those who are obese or overweight. It is often recommended to diabetic patients.
Health Benefits of Pulasan
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of pulasan:
- Helps with weight loss: pulasan is ideal for anyone who wants to shed extra fat. This is because the fruit is high in dietary fiber, thus making you feel more satiated and suppressing hunger more effectively.
- Helps control blood sugar levels: those who are diabetic may benefit from this fruit. In fact, pulasan helps manage sugar levels by regulating the amount of sugar that is released into the bloodstream.
- Promotes regular bowel movements: the dietary fiber of pulasan is essential for digestion, promoting regular bowel movements and warding off constipation.
- Acts as an anti-aging food: the vitamin C content of the fruit is beneficial in making you look much younger than your actual age. Not only that, it also helps get rid of free radicals, protecting the skin cells.
- Good source of antioxidants: the ascorbic acid, hydroquinone and pyrogallol in the fruit are potent antioxidants that are beneficial in getting rid of free radicals in the body.
