Snake fruit is called that way because its peel resembles snake scales. However, there is no need to run away from this exotic fruit that’s native to Sumatra and Java in Indonesia. That’s because inside this rather intimidating-looking fruit are three lobes that are juicy and taste like a combination of honey and pineapple.
Also known as salak, snake fruit is now cultivated in so many countries in Southeast Asia, which means that you are not going to have an extremely difficult time getting your hands on it. What’s more, the palm tree where it comes from tends to bear fruits all year round, peaking every May and December.
Just like so many other exotic fruits across the planet, snake fruit is good for you! Adding it to your diet enables your body to enjoy various minerals and vitamins necessary for the attainment of optimum health. Actually, experts say that snake fruit packs more antioxidants than some fruits revered for their antioxidant properties!
So what are the benefits of consuming snake fruit other than the fact that you get to enjoy something that looks really unique and interesting? The following are some of the best ones:
Improved Eye Health
One of the many antioxidants found in snake fruit is beta carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A. We all know that vitamin A is something that shields the eyes from being damaged by free radicals. By eating snake fruit and other beta carotene-loaded fruits and vegetables, it can be easier to dodge eye-related diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration that can cost you your eyesight.
Indigestion and Diarrhea Relief
The consumption of snake fruit is recommended if you are having a bout of indigestion. That’s because the tannins it contains can help put an end to such digestive ordeal. Similarly, you may consume the exotic fruit if you have diarrhea. Not only does it help put the problem to an end, but also ward off a common complication which is dehydration.
Constipation Prevention
Adding snake fruit in your diet on a regular basis can also help keep constipation at bay. This does not really come as a big surprise because the said fruit is really juicy — it packs plenty of water! Other than this, snake fruit is also an excellent source of fiber, which is something that helps regulate the evacuation of the bowels.
Regulation of Blood Sugar
Fiber found abundantly in salak fruit is also good for people who are diagnosed with diabetes. It’s for the fact that it helps in controlling the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream at a time. Besides, snake fruit is a also good source of natural sugar, which is more ideal for diabetics that the refined kind. Don’t have diabetes but your doctor told you that you’re at risk of it? Eating snake fruit can help lower your diabetes risk!
Stronger Immune System
Vitamin C is present in snake fruit — the kind of acidic taste it has is a testament to that! This is the reason why the regular consumption of the said fruit can help in lowering your risk of having the common cold, cough, flu and other infections. Having a strong immune system makes your body more defended against disease-causing microbes.
Young-Looking and Healthy Skin
Snake fruit’s vitamin C is not only superb at strengthening the immune system, but also in beautifying the skin. Vitamin C is actually a superb eliminator of excess free radicals that speed up the aging process of the skin. In other words, eating snake fruit is just like applying a super expensive anti-aging product on your skin. The said exotic fruit also helps in flushing out toxins in the body, thus promoting a complexion that looks glowing!
