Southeast Asia is home to many exotic fruits, and one of them is known as batuan. It is closely related to mangosteen, which is another fruit that is revered for its incredible medicinal properties and health benefits — and that’s why it doesn’t really come as a surprise why batuan can also impress just as tremendously as mangosteen.
Batuan is harvested from a tree that has the same name, whose various parts like the bark, leaves and flowers are used by traditional healers in dealing with an assortment of health conditions.
Commonly, batuan is harvested when unripe and it is consumed as a vegetable. But then the said fruit can also be harvested when it is fully ripe, although there is one disadvantage: it can be very acidic. This is why it’s not uncommon for batuan to be dried before it is enjoyed as a dessert or snack, or flavoring for various local dishes.
Without any more ado, let’s take a look at some of the health perks offered by batuan:
It Lowers High Blood Pressure
The consumption of batuan is especially recommended for people who are hypertensive. It’s for the fact that the said exotic fruit is known to help lower high blood pressure. The reason why batuan is capable of doing this is because it has potassium, a mineral that is known to widen the blood vessels, resulting in the lowering of the blood pressure.
However, if you are already taking medications for hypertension, ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to consume this fruit on a regular basis as it may cause your blood pressure to drop excessively.
It Controls Inflammation
A lot of traditional healers from Southeast Asia suggest the consumption of batuan for dealing with painful and stiff joints. That’s because this amazing fruit possesses incredible anti-inflammatory properties. So instead of popping an NSAID in your mouth that can cause some unwanted side effects, give batuan a try first.
The anti-inflammatory properties of batuan is not only good for managing joint pain, but also in lowering one’s risk of diabetes, obesity and other health issues that can be blamed on or linked to chronic inflammation within.
It May Lower Risk of Deadly Cancer
It’s also because of the anti-inflammatory properties of batuan why this fruit is believed to help fight off cancer — doctors say that cancer can be due to inflammation persistently taking place inside the body. We all know how cancer can be deadly especially if it’s not treated early, and eating batuan regularly may help keep it from striking.
Batuan is also an excellent source of antioxidants that fight off free radicals and lower oxidative stress, another issue that is commonly associated by medical professionals with the development of cancer.
It Strengthens the Immune System
Earlier, it was mentioned that ripe batuan can be so acidic. While it may not be that pleasing to the taste buds, it’s actually something that is good for the entire body — its acidity is a testament that batuan is rich in vitamin C. By consuming it regularly, batuan can help lower your risk of infections by making your immune system strong.
Vitamin C in batuan is also good for keeping the gums healthy and the smile beautiful. It’s also important for free radical fighting and collagen formation, thus it helps in keeping the skin looking young.
Do you have health-conscious friends who are always on the hunt for some superfoods to add to their diet on a regular basis? If so, don’t forget to have this article reposted on social media to let them know about batuan, an exotic gem from Southeast Asia that is capable of offering so many impressive benefits!
