Fruits in SriLanka

Fruits in SriLanka

Keselkan Sri Lanka

Banana (Keselkan / VaalaiPalam)

  • A banana is the most unique of all fruit because unlike any fruit it does not come from trees at all but from large plants that are giant herbs and are related to lily and orchid family.

    Medicinal Uses of Bananas
    Because of their impressive potassium content,bananas are highly recommended by doctors in Sri Lanka. They are helpful in:

    Reducing depression
    Anemia
    Restoring a normal bowel function
    Constipation and diarrhea
    Eyesight protection
    Strengthening the bones
    Healthy kidney
    Blood pressure
    Heart problems
    Treating heart-burn
    Curing a hangover
    Overcoming nervous disorders
    Reducing morning sickness
    Improving nerve function, and many more.

    Nutritive Values (per 100g edible portion)
    Energy 116.0

    Major Growing Areas in Sri Lanka

    All island except very high cultivations areas of Sri Lanka.


Delum Sri Lanka

Pomegranate (Delum / Maadhulam)

  • The pomegranate Punica granatum L. belongs to the family Punicaceae. It is cultivated in home gardens in Sri Lanka specially as a medicinal plant and as a fruit tree. There is no other fruit crop that has high medicinal value compared to that in pomegranate.

    Health Benefits
  • The pomegranate fruit is rich in beneficial antioxidants, like polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins. The antioxidant level in pomegranate juice is higher than in other fruit juices, red wine or green tea
  • Recent research has shown that pomegranates can help fight osteoarthritis, as regular consumption of the juice slows down the deterioration of the cartilage
  • Pomegranate juice is also believed to increase blood flow to the heart, and is extremely beneficial for people with ischemic heart disease
  • It is also a good source of vitamins C and B, antioxidant polyphenols, pantothenic acid and potassium
  • The juice of the fruit is an effective remedy to reduce heart disease risk factor, including LDL Oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation
  • Juice of the pomegranate has been found effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease
  • The juice of the fruit also has antiviral and antibacterial effects against dental plaque
  • Consumption of pomegranate juice has proven to help immensely in cases of prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes or lymphoma
  • Pomegranate juice has also shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum  angiotensin-converting enzyme

    Nutritive Values (per 100g edible portion)
    Energy 63-78 k cal

    Major Growing Areas in Sri Lanka
    In Sri Lanka most suitable districts for cultivation are Hambantota, Puttalum, Manar, Anuradapura, Jaffna, Monaragala.


Apple

Apple

  • The Greek and Roman mythology refer to apples as symbols of love and beauty but Apple contain vitamins like Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, iron and potassium etc., The Vitamin C content may not be as good as Oranges but apples have very high mineral contents, pectins, malic acid which are good in normalizing the intestines. Apple is good for treatment of anaemia, dysentery, heart disease, headache, eye disorders, kidney stones and promotes vigour and vitality. Apple juice is good to overcome a liverish feeling, further, apples are unlikely to cause allergic reactions and are excellent means of providing essential fluids to the body.

    It is well said that we should have in our diet apart from vegetables, fresh coloured fruits like Yellow Apples, Green Apples, Red Apples etc., which are easily available considering that we have some of the best Apples coming from places like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh etc., Of course imported apples like Washington apples and Australian apples are available at big departmental stores. Some of the well known apple varieties are Golden Noble, Bramleys etc., As in vegetables like carrot, the colours in fruits like Apples are indicative of good health as shown below:

  • The pomegranate fruit is rich in beneficial antioxidants, like polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins. The antioxidant level in pomegranate juice is higher than in other fruit juices, red wine or green tea.
  • Yellow Apples - Good for heart and eyes, immune system, reduce risk of some cancers.
  • Red Apples - Good for heart, Memory function, lower risk of some cancers and to maintain urinary tract health.

    Nutritive Values (per 100g edible portion)
    Energy 59 k cal


Gaslabu Sri Lanka

Papaya (Gaslabu / Pappaali)

  • Generally papaya yields throughout the year. However, month following warm temperature or moisture stress causes skip in production. Papaya is cultivated in Sri Lanka primarily as a home garden crop. However, there is limited extent under commercial scale and this extent is steadily increasing but there is no significant increase in production. The reasons for these reductions may be due to some districts which are infected with virus under wet zone.

    Health Benefits of Papayas
    Papaya is not only a tasty fruit, but is also a rich source of a number of anti-oxidants such as flaunts, carotenes, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Folate, fiber, potassium, magnesium, etc. All these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and provide a shield against a number of chronic diseases. Papaya also contains large units of papain, a digestive enzyme. This enzyme is often extracted from the fruit to make anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and analgesic medicines.

    Some of the health benefits associated with eating the fruit include:
  • Papain, present in the fruit aids in the digestion process
  • If consumed regularly over a period of time, papaya can cure a longstanding problem of constipation
  • Researchers believe that if the fruit is taken alone for a span of 3 days, it has beneficial tonic effect for the stomach and the intestines
  • The juice of papaya is believed to cure colon infections and in breaking down pus and mucus
  • The fruit may also prove beneficial in preventing cancer in organs and glands with epithelial tissue (ripe papaya)
  • Prevents nausea; includes morning sickness and motion sickness
  • The seeds of the fruit have antihelmintic properties for expelling worms, and are often given with honey. Two teaspoons of papaya seeds if chewed and swallowed after each meal have a wonderful effect on the stomach.
  • Papaya contains ample amounts of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are essential for the proper function of a healthy immune system
  • Various studies have shown that regular consumption of the fruit provides protection against Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Eating papaya everyday also promotes lung health and is an ideal fruit for smokers.

    Nutritive Values (per 100g edible portion)
    Energy 32.8k cal

    Major Growing Areas in Sri Lanka
    Kurunegala district is the highest producer in the country. Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Gampaha, Galle, Anuradapura, Puttalam, Hambanthota and Badulla districts also have higher extents.


Annasi Sri Lanka

Pineapple

  • Pineapples have exceptional juiciness and a vibrant tropical flavor that balances the tastes of sweet and tart. They are second only to bananas as America"s favorite tropical fruit. Although the season for pineapple runs from March through June, they are available year-round in local markets.

    Pineapple, Ananas comosus, belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, from which one of its most important health-promoting compounds, the enzyme bromelain, was named. The Spanish name for pineapple, pina, and the root of its English name, reflects the fruit"s visual similarity to the pinecone.

    Pineapples are a composite of many flowers whose individual fruitlets fuse together around a central core. Each fruitlet can be identified by an "eye," the rough spiny marking on the pineapple"s surface. Pineapples have a wide cylindrical shape, a scaly green, brown or yellow skin and a regal crown of spiny, blue-green leaves and fibrous yellow flesh. The area closer to the base of the fruit has more sugar content and therefore a sweeter taste and more tender texture.

    Health Benefits
  • Regular consumption of pineapples provides protection against Macular Degeneration
  • Manganese and Thiamine (Vitamin B1) present in ample amounts in the fruit are essential for energy production and antioxidant defenses
  • Pineapple also provides antioxidant protection and immune support to the body
  • It also has potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits
  • Pineapple Strengthens Bones- The fruit has ample amounts of manganese, which is a essential mineral needed by the body to build bones and connective tissues. Including pineapple in one"s daily diet helps develop stronger bones in the young and helps in the strengthening the bones of the elderly
  • Pineapple is Good for Colds and Coughs- Taking vitamin C, when suffering from cold and cough is often advised by the doctors. Pineapples are a rich source of vitamin C, and are extremely beneficial in suppressing coughs and loosen the mucus.

    Pineapple nutrition
    Pineapple is high in fiber. Pineapples also contain good amounts of vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and a digestive enzyme called bromelain.

    Calories in Pineapple:
    1 cup diced fresh pineapple = 76 calories

    Major Growing Areas in Sri Lanka
    Kurunagala , Gampaha , Badhulla , Puttlam , Moneragala , Colombo and Gale.


Dodam Sri Lanka

Orange

  • Oranges belong to the category of citrus fruits and are of the Citrus sinensis family. The citrus trees are of the same genus, Citrus, and remain largely interbreed able, that is to say that there is only one super species. Some citrus fruits include oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, etc. The fruits belonging to the citrus family are considered berries, as they are fleshy, soft, have seeds, and are derived from a single ovary.

    The Orange fruit traces its origin to South-east Asia. The word orange, is an adaptation of the Sanskrit word narangah. The oranges, which were brought to Europe from India or China were of Citrus aurantium variety, the bitter orange. It is also referred to as the Chinese Apple or Applesin by many people. It is believed that the Duch, Portuguese, Spanish and Arab sailors planted citrus trees along their trading routes to prevent scurvey.

    Production of Oranges
    Oranges are grown in groves, and are grown extensively throughout the world. Brazil, USA and Mexico are amongst the top orange producing countries of the world. As the orange trees are sensitive to frost, care should be taken to prevent frost formation on the leaves, bark and branches. So, when sub-freezing temperatures are expected, the best part is to spray the tree with water, to protect it from temperatures that have dropped below the freezing point.

    Health Benefits
  • Oranges are rich in a compound called Betacarotene, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from getting damaged
  • A rich source of calcium, regular consumption of oranges helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth
  • The fruit is also rich in Folic Acid, which is ideal for proper brain development
  • Research has shown that inclusion of oranges in our daily diet aids in keeping blood pressure under check because of the ample amount of magnesium content in them
  • Oranges contain a healthy dose of Vitamin C, which helps in antioxidant protection and also gives a boost to ones immune system, making it more strong and resistant to diseases
  • The potassium present in the fruit facilitates the maintenance of the electrolyte balance in the cells of the body and also helps in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system
  • Potassium helps maintain electrolyte balance in the cells, and is important in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system
  • Vitamin B6 helps support the production of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all parts of the body, and is present in ample amounts in oranges
  • Oranges have also proven to prevent Kidney Stones
  • Eating oranges helps in preventing ulcers and reduces the risk of stomach cancer
  • People addicted to alcohol have found that their desire for liquor greatly reduces by drinking orange juice
  • Consumption of large quantities of oranges decreases the mucus secretion from the nose

    Nutritive Values (per 100g edible portion)
    Energy 47k cal


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