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What Are The Health Benefits of Jamaican Naseberry?
5 Reasons To Love Naseberries!
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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
One thing we have in abundance here in Jamaica is fruits, so let’s talk about one of my favourites. This delectable fruit, with its unique taste and plethora of health benefits, is one you will want to try.
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The naseberry, or “neeseberry” as we pronounce it in Jamaica, is scientifically known as Manilkara zapota and is native to southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It thrives in tropical climates, with Jamaica being one of its prime locations for cultivation. The naseberry tree is an evergreen, bearing small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into round or oval-shaped fruits.
Its outer appearance may not grab your attention at first glance. Its rough, brownish skin resembles that of a small potato. It doesn’t look like something exciting to eat. However, within this unassuming exterior lies a treasure trove of sweetness and flavour.
Once you slice open a ripe naseberry, you will be greeted with a beautiful golden hue, soft and juicy, with a texture reminiscent of a ripe pear or peach. The subtle aroma hints at the sweetness inside the fruit.
The taste of the naseberry reminds me of a caramel-like sweetness with undertones of pear. The texture also reminds me of a pear, but a much softer version.
What Are The Health Benefits of Jamaican Naseberry?
Beyond its irresistible sweetness and creamy texture, this tropical fruit boasts a plethora of health benefits that make it a valuable addition to any diet. From aiding digestion to boosting immunity, the naseberry offers many ways to support overall well-being.
Aids Digestion
One of the standout features of naseberry is its high fibre content. With 5.3 grams of fibre per 100 grams of fruit, naseberry is a natural aid for digestion. Fiber plays a crucial role in regulating intestinal function and bowel movements, promoting a healthy gut environment, and aiding in the absorption of essential nutrients.
Gives You More Energy
Are you a little drained? Reach for a naseberry! Packed with carbohydrates – 19.9 grams per 100 grams of fruit – it provides a quick boost when your energy levels run low. The fruit's naturally occurring sugars swiftly convert to carbohydrates in the body, offering a sustained energy source to fuel your day.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Naseberry isn't just good for our taste buds; it's also a boon for your skin. Rich in vitamins C and E, this fruit boasts potent antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and combat skin conditions. Additionally, the fruit's natural acids provide hydration and nourishment, leaving your skin radiant and rejuvenated.
Builds Immunity
When it comes to fortifying your immune system, naseberry is a powerhouse. With 14.7 grams of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit, it is a potent immune booster, helping your body fend off colds, infections, and other illnesses. Incorporating naseberry into your diet can help strengthen your body's natural defences and keep you feeling your best.
Supports Healthy Respiratory Function
Naseberry's benefits extend beyond digestion and immunity, it also promotes healthy respiratory function. Known for its ability to break down mucus and improve circulation, naseberry can be beneficial to individuals dealing with respiratory issues such as asthma or congestion.
It's okay to eat both the outside and inside of the naseberry. However, some people may be allergic to this fruit and should avoid it, even though this is quite rare. Research indicates that several proteins found in sapodilla may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, including anaphylaxis. Additionally, it's crucial to avoid consuming the seeds.
While some sapodilla varieties have no seeds at all, others (like the ones popular here in Jamaica) have flat, black seeds that are roughly 1/4 inch (2 cm) long. If ingested, these seeds may become lodged in your throat due to their prominent hook on one end. Furthermore, previous studies have found that sapodilla seeds contain substances termed saponin and sapotinin, both of which, if consumed in excess ( 6 or more), might result in nausea and gastrointestinal pain.
Regarding preparation, naseberries are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. We most commonly have them fresh, so we can truly enjoy the taste and texture of the fruit. But you can also incorporate them into smoothies, desserts, or jams.
Naseberries are never in season long enough, and I’m not just saying this because it is on my list of favourites. In Jamaica, the fruit typically ripens once a year, offering a brief window of opportunity to indulge in its sweetness. This is further cut short since it is a fruit that isn’t typically stored for long periods.
While naseberry offers many great health benefits, enjoying this fruit in moderation is essential, especially considering its high sugar content. Whether enjoyed fresh or incorporated into various dishes and desserts, naseberry is sure to leave a lasting impression on both your taste buds and your health.
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References & Sources For What Are The Health Benefits of Jamaican Naseberry?
- Five secret benefits of the Naseberry Fruit (no date) Yello. Available at: https://www.findyello.com/tip/bonaire/five-secret-benefits-of-the-naseberry-fruit/#:~:text=The%20high%20vitamin%20C%20content,100%20grams%20of%20the%20fruit.&text=Naseberry%20is%20known%20to%20break,with%20circulation%20and%20respiratory%20function (Accessed: 03 March 2024).
- Kubala, J. (2022) Sapodilla: Nutrition, health benefits, and more, Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sapodilla-benefits-nutrition-and-downsides#downsides (Accessed: 03 March 2024).
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