This post will provide information on "What are the health benefits of pomelo (Citrus maxima)?" as well as provide answers to questions like: Why is it called pomelo? How was pomelo created? Who invented the pomelo? Where is pomelo originally from? Is it good to eat pomelo everyday? Is eating too much pomelo bad? Which is better pomelo or grapefruit? Is pomelo good for liver?
The pomelo originates in southeastern Asia and Malaysia. It was brought to the United States in the 17th century, but it is not a popular fruit here. They are grown in tropical and subtropical areas. A small crop of pomelos are grown in California and Florida but are also commercially cultivated in Asia and Israel. Pomelos are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, iron, and calcium. The peel of the pomelo is very thick and fibrous but can be easily removed. The thick peel helps to protect the fruit, therefore, pomelos keep for a longer time. The peel is usually not eaten raw because of its bitter taste. It is sometimes candied, made into marmalade, eaten with chocolate, or used as a seasoning for meat dishes. The polmelo is the largest type of citrus fruit that belongs to the Rutaceae family. The pomelo is also called Chinese grapefruit, shaddock, pulemo, or pompelmous. In China, the pomelo is seen to be a fruit of good luck. The etymology of the word "pomelo" is uncertain. It may be derived from Dutch pompelmoes. Its botanical name, Citrus maxima, means "biggest citrus". In English, the word "pomelo" (also spelled pomello, pummelo, pommelo, pumelo) has become the more common name, although "pomelo" has historically been used for grapefruit. After a captain Shaddock of an East India Company ship introduced it to Barbados, the fruit was called "shaddock" in English. From there the name spread to Jamaica in 1696. The fruit is also known as jabong in Hawaii and jambola in varieties of English spoken in South Asia. In Nepali, it is known as "bhogate". The pomelo tree may be 5–15 m (16–50 ft) tall, possibly with a crooked trunk 10–30 cm (4–12 in) thick, and low-hanging, irregular branches. Leaf petioles are distinctly winged, with alternate, ovate or elliptic shapes 5–20 cm (2–8 in) long, with a leathery, dull green upper layer, and hairy underleaf. The flowers — single or in clusters — are fragrant and yellow-white in color.
- Pomelo is particularly rich in vitamin C and potassium and contains several other vitamins and minerals, as well as protein and fiber
- One pomelo packs 6 grams of fiber. Fiber can help add bulk to your stools, feed healthy gut bacteria, and promote overall wellness
- Pomelo fruit is relatively low in calories for its large size and contains protein and fiber both of which can help you feel full for longe
- Pomelos contain high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C, naringenin, naringin, and lycopene, which may offer various health benefits
- Pomelo extract has been shown to reduce blood fat levels in animal studies
- Pomelo may have anti-aging properties due to its antioxidant content and ability to decrease the formation of AGEs
- Pomelo essential oils are antibacterial and antifungal
- Extract from pomelo peels and leaves have been shown to kill cancer cells and prevent the spread of cancer
Do not consume pomelo in excessive amounts as the stomach acid levels may become alarmingly high. Exercise caution when eating pomelo in case you are suffering from kidney and liver conditions