13 Incredible Health Benefits Of Tamarillo (Tree Tomato)

What Is Tamarillo Fruit?

Tamarillo is an egg-shaped edible fruit. Other names include tree tomatoes, ibinyomoro, tomate de árbol, tomate serrano, blood fruit, tomate andino, tomate de yuca, sachatomate, berenjena, tomate de españa and tamamoro. The scientific name of tamarillo is Solanum betaceum. It belongs to the family Solanaceae. Tamarillo fruits are low in calories and contain a rich amount of iron and vitamins. These fruits are loved by people of all age groups.

The tamarillo fruit is native to Andes of Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. Other regions of cultivation are Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Darjeeling in India, Hong Kong, China, Nepal, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand.

Description

The plant grows up to 5 meters and the plant life expectancy is about 12 years. The leaves of the plant are simple, large, perennial, and have a strong pungent smell. The flowers of tamarillo are pink—white and form groups of 10 to 50 flowers.

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The fruits are about 4 to 10 cm long. Their color varies from yellow and orange to red and almost purple.

Nutritional Value Of Tamarillo

Per 100-gram serving of tamarillo fruit contains —

• Calories: 31
• Total Fat: 0.36 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3.8 grams
• Proteins: 2 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 3.3 grams
• Folate: 4 micrograms
• Niacin: 0.271 milligrams
• Vitamin A: 189.17 micrograms
• Vitamin C: 29.8 milligrams
• Vitamin E: 2.09 milligrams
• Sodium: 1.44 milligrams
• Potassium: 321 milligrams
• Calcium: 10.7 milligrams
• Magnesium: 20.6 milligrams
• Manganese: 114 micrograms
• Phosphorus: 38.9 milligrams
• Pyridoxine: 0.198 milligrams
• Thiamine: 0.043 milligrams
• Copper: 0.051 milligrams
• Iron: 0.57 milligrams
• Selenium: 0.1 micrograms
• Zinc: 0.15 milligrams

Health Benefits Of Tamarillo (Tree Tomato)

Tree tomato (tamarillo) contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and hypoglycemic properties. Its health benefits include —

1. Nutrition-Dense

Tamarillo fruit comes with many essential vitamins, minerals, and healthful antioxidants. It is rich in vitamins A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. It also contains B-complex vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin.

In addition, this small fruit is also a good source of calcium, potassium, carbohydrates, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, copper, zinc, and iron.

2. Promotes Weight Loss

If you’re looking for losing weight, then this fruit is really for you GUYS!

Along with very low-calorie content, tamarillo contains a high amount of fiber. In addition, it has high water content. High fiber and water contents present in this small fruit keep you full for longer, reduce the need to have snacks constantly and you eat less.

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Tamarillo fruit also has some acidic properties which help to cut—down fat. You can consume it raw, in salads, or in juice form. It also acts as a natural detoxifier that works to flush out toxins from the body.

3. For Skin

The benefits of tamarillo fruit can also be seen here. As we have previously described in the article, this fruit contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E in plenty. All these nutrients help your skin look healthy and radiant.

Flavonoids, phenols, and anthocyanins present in tree tomatoes work to protect your skin from pollution and oxidative stress that can cause blemishes, acne, wrinkles, and pimples. Tamarillo also acts as an anti-aging agent. In addition, it can also be used as home remedies for various skin problems.

4. Helps Control Diabetes

Tamarillo contains chlorogenic acid, which helps to lower the levels of blood sugar in type-2 diabetes mellitus.

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Due to its high antioxidant properties, tamarillo may reduce oxidative stress in human organs. Consuming its pulp or tamarillo juice on a light stomach would provide better health advantages.

5. Support Heart Health

As previously discussed, tree tomato comes with protein, soluble fiber, starch, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. All these nutrients help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. High sodium levels in the body are the leading cause of many heart diseases.

Tree tomatoes contain higher amounts of potassium which help to balance sodium levels in the body. In addition, it is rich in magnesium which works to regulate the proper functioning of your cardiovascular system. Also, the fiber content found in this fruit plays a vital role in treating bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol.

In addition to this, its excellent antioxidant properties help to reduce oxidative stress that may lead to stroke.

6. Reduce Blood Pressure

The health benefits of tree tomatoes (tamarillo) can be seen here. Tree tomatoes are a good source of minerals and potassium which may help to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension).

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In addition, carotenoids present in the fruit work to aid in lowering the risk of coronary heart diseases, that are linked to hypertension. Thus, including this small fruit in your daily diet can help you to get rid of systolic blood pressure.

7. Boost Metabolism

A diet enriched with minerals and vitamins is vital in supporting the proper functioning of the body. And proper functioning of the body may lead to good metabolic activities. Tamarillo contains vitamin B6 in plenty which helps to aid in the production of energy.

It helps to convert calories into useful energy, thereby limiting excessive weight gain as well. The vitamin also works to contribute towards improving the metabolism, easing the transportation of blood. It is also effective in combating obesity.

8. Fights Cancer

Tree tomatoes (tamarillo) are rich in antioxidant properties, which help in fighting the free radicals that cause cancer. A healthy compound called, anthocyanin found in the fruit help to protect your body against oxidative damage.

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A variety of antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and chlorogenic compounds in tree tomatoes may work to prevent the onset of cancer, especially breast and colon cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to this function. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of the fruit stave off cancerous outbreaks.

9. Improves Eyesight

The benefits of tamarillo fruit can also be seen for better eye health. Due to its higher contents of carotenoids and vitamin A, tamarillo may aid in bettering your vision. Consuming tamarillo fruit in moderate quantity may help to delay the development of age-related vision problems including cataracts and macular degeneration.

In addition, another compound called, beta-carotene present in it is also linked with improved eye health.

10. For Hair

The benefits of tamarillo do not end here. Whole tamarillo has been widely used in cosmetic health. Not only for the skin, but this fruit is extremely beneficial in improving the health of your hair and nails.

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The polyunsaturated linoleic acid found in it is really very effective in treating psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, and hair loss. Its essential fatty acid content helps to strengthen your hair from root to tip.

11. Boosts Immunity

Tree tomatoes contain high amounts of vitamin C, which can play an important role in treating various health ailments. It also helps to keep you away from colds and infections. However, it is vital to consume this fruit in a moderate quantity.

12. Fights Anemia

Due to its higher iron contents, this fruit can help to treat anemia to some extent. It works to promote and regulate the production of red blood cells (RBCs), which triggers the production of blood in the body. It also helps to overcome the symptoms associated with it such as weakness, fatigue, and dizziness.

13. Treat Inflamed Tonsils

Although tree tomato (tamarillo) has a wide range of benefits, its impact on treating inflammation caused in the lymph nodes has been studied extensively. Therefore, it is considered to be one of the best benefits offered by this small fruit. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce the size of swelling in the tonsils by destroying the bacteria that cause the infection.

Take Away

A tree tomato or tamarillo fruit can do wonders for your overall health. Hence, incorporate it into your daily diet to keep health problems at bay.

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