You may not be familiar with this fruit but it has many nutritional health benefits. Rambutan fruit takes about 90days or more from flowering to ripe fruit. There is a color change from green fruits that turn yellow and then red. Most of the time the process from green to red takes place in 5 to 10 days. However, some varieties of rambutan ripen with a bright yellow color and some that end up with an orange blush, but ripe rambutan is typically red. Here Dr. Joseph Mercola, Mercola.com, reflects on what rambutan is good for:

“Many people from the Western part of the world are unfamiliar with the rambutan fruit, as it is native to Malaysia.¹ It is primarily known for its similarities with the lychee and the longan fruit, particularly its transparent-whitish flesh and the seed in the middle. This is because all three are actually close relatives.²

Although they are similar, the outer cover or shell is what sets these three fruits apart. The rambutan fruit can be easily identified because of its green and red spikes that resemble hair, which is interesting because the name “Rambutan” comes from the Malay word for “hair.”³

The rambutan tree usually grows up to about 80 feet in height and thrives in tropical climates, mostly in Asia where these fruits are abundant. This plant has also been cultivated in different parts of the globe, such as Australia and Central America.⁴

Rambutan Versus Lychee: How To Distinguish These Fruits

Although rambutan and lychee come from the same family, there are distinct differences when it comes to their composition and nutritional content. Lychee has bumpy skin and the rambutan has a spiky appearance.

In terms of nutrients, lychee contains dietary fiber and an abundance of vitamins and minerals, such as phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins D and C. It also contains oligonol, a polyphenol that helps in improving a person’s endurance and immunity.

Rambutan, on the other hand, is higher in dietary fiber compared to lychee. While rambutan does not contain oligonol, it boasts a high amount of iron, which can help lower the risk of anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding.⁵

When discussing flavor, some say that rambutan tastes blander and denser than lychee, while others claim that rambutan tastes similar or sweeter.⁶ Nevertheless, both of these fruits exude a sweet aroma and an even sweeter taste.

While lychee and rambutan may look alike when their outer skins are removed, they have distinct differences, which make the playing ground quite equal in terms of their health benefits.

Uses of the Rambutan Fruit and Plant

Rambutan’s uses don’t necessarily focus on the fruit alone, as the tree itself is useful in different ways. Here are some examples:

•Rambutan leaves can be used for basic hair care. Mash the leaves into a paste, add water and squeeze the extract. Apply the extract to your hair and scalp. This may promote better hair health.⁷

The leaves can be used to treat fever as well. Boil a few leaves in three glasses of water, and then strain. Drink this concoction three times a day to help your body recover. The leaves may also work for relieving headaches. Mash them and apply on your temples to help with migraines.⁸

•Rambutan seeds can help promote skin health. Mash the seeds into a paste and apply on your skin to achieve a clearer and a more even-looking complexion. Using the paste regularly may help your skin become softer and healthier in the long run.⁹

The seeds may also help diabetics, according to a news report published in the New Straits Times. Take the seeds, chop them into small pieces and allowed to dry for a few days. Grind the seeds into a fine powder and mix them with hot water. Drink once to thrice a day, before meals. This can help you maintain your blood sugar at healthy levels.¹⁰

Health Benefits of Rambutan

The rambutan fruit is a conglomeration of vitamins and minerals, all encased in a sweet and juicy little package. Despite its small size, it actually packs a considerable amount of vitamin C (40 milligrams¹¹), which is important for helping keep your immune system healthy.¹²

It is also a good source of copper. Even though the body needs only a limited amount of it in the system, copper works together with iron in keeping your blood vessels, immune system, bones and the production of red blood cells at peak condition.¹³

Rambutan is also a good source of iron,¹⁴ which is why ingesting this fruit is especially useful for the maintenance and the production of red blood cells.¹⁵

Other rambutan fruit benefits include:

• Promotes healthy digestion — The high fiber content of rambutan aids in food metabolism, preventing constipation.”

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Read More … Article Source: https://foodfacts.mercola.com/rambutan.html